Definition for wa-wa (2 of 2)
wah-wah
or wa-wa
[ wah-wah ]
/ ˈwɑˌwɑ /
adjective
producing a muted, bawling sound like that of a trumpet with the hand moved momentarily over the bell: a wah-wah effect on a synthesizer; a guitar with a wah-wah pedal.
noun
a sound or effect like the muted sound of a trumpet, especially in music.
an electronic device or attachment to produce such a sound, often used with an electric guitar.
Origin of wah-wah
First recorded in 1925–30; imitative
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for wa-wa
A good many of the worst knocked about were talking a bit wild, but I never heard the guy with the Chinook wa-wa again.
Sea-Hounds|Lewis R. FreemanSeveral forks, into which the river is divided, unite to the west of Wa-wa.
Three Years in Western China|Alexander Hosie
British Dictionary definitions for wa-wa
wah-wah
/ (ˈwɑːˌwɑː) /
noun
the sound made by a trumpet, cornet, etc, when the bell is alternately covered and uncovered: much used in jazz
an electronic attachment for an electric guitar, etc, that simulates this effect
Word Origin for wah-wah
C20: of imitative origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for wa-wa
wah-wah
1926, in jazz slang, in reference to the effect on brass instruments made by manipulating the mute; of imitative origin. Later also in reference to an electric guitar effect. As an imitation of the sound of a baby crying, it is recorded from 1938. Wah-wah pedal is recorded from 1969. Cf. Chinook jargon wawa "talk, speak, call, ask, sermon, language;" Cree (Algonquian) wehwew "goose," Lenape (Algonquian) wava "snow goose," all probably of imitative origin.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper