tin ear

noun

1. an insensitivity to melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic variety in music.

2. an insensitivity to subtlety or appropriateness in verbal expression.

   a tin ear for clear, precise prose.

3. cauliflower ear.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tin ear¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“So, for something this serious, that is a bizarre, really bizarre first sentence and I think has a real tin ear,” he said.

Read more on Salon

Benedict was said to have a tin ear for politics.

Read more on New York Times

“The tin ear and lack of sensitivity to other people’s needs is fairly characteristic of his party,” Mr. Sirr noted.

Read more on New York Times

Speaking to the BBC's Political Editor Chris Mason, Mr Shapps warned Ms Truss not to have a "tin ear" to voters' concerns about rising living costs and to do a U-turn as soon as possible.

Read more on BBC

The former transport secretary warned Ms Truss not to have a "tin ear" to voters' concerns about rising living costs and to do a U-turn as soon as possible.

Read more on BBC