honky-tonk

American  

[hong-kee-tongk, hawng-kee-tawngk] / ˈhɒŋ kiˌtɒŋk, ˈhɔŋ kiˌtɔŋk /

noun

1. a cheap, noisy, and garish nightclub or dance hall.

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adjective

1. Also honky-tonky of, relating to, or characteristic of a honky-tonk.

   a honky-tonk atmosphere.

2. characterized by or having a large number of honky-tonks.

   the honky-tonk part of town.

3. Music. noting a style of ragtime piano-playing characterized by a strict two-four or four-four bass, either contrapuntal or chordal, and a melody embellished with chords and syncopated rhythms, typically performed on a piano whose strings have been muffled and given a tinny sound.

verb (used without object)

1. to visit or frequent honky-tonks.

honky-tonk British  

/ ˈhɒŋkɪˌtɒŋk /

noun

1. slang

   1. a cheap disreputable nightclub, bar, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a honky-tonk district

2. a style of ragtime piano-playing, esp on a tinny-sounding piano

3. a type of country music, usually performed by a small band with electric and steel guitars

4. ( as modifier )

   honky-tonk music

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Other Word Forms

• honky-tonker noun

Etymology

Origin of honky-tonk

1890–95, rhyming compound based on honk

Related Words

• bar
• bistro
• cabaret
• disco
• discotheque
• restaurant
• saloon
• speakeasy
• tavern
• watering hole