tin ear

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of tin ear

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“There are so many ways to ease the grief for the Jewish community in Bondi, without having a tin ear for the rest of multicultural Australia.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

Benedict was said to have a tin ear for politics.

From New York Times • Dec. 31, 2022

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.

From BBC • Oct. 2, 2022

Listening to this album, you’d have to have a tin ear to not hear their abilities and a cold heart to not recognize their aspirations.

From Washington Times • Oct. 5, 2018

She played the piano for him, and though he had a tin ear, he listened with enjoyment and love.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman