honky-tonk
Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word honky-tonk. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word honky-tonk, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say honky-tonk in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word honky-tonk you have here. The definition of the word honky-tonk will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofhonky-tonk, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Nashville
See also: honkytonk and honky tonk
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
From honk-a-tonk (“a cheap nightclub”), possibly imitative.
Pronunciation
Noun
honky-tonk (countable and uncountable, plural honky-tonks)
- (US) A bar or nightclub that caters to Southern patrons and provides country music for entertainment.
- 1969, Shel Silverstein (lyrics and music), “A Boy Named Sue”, performed by Johnny Cash:
- But I made a vow to the moon and stars / That I'd search the honky-tonks and bars / And kill that man who gave me that awful name
- 1975, James Taylor (lyrics and music), “Mexico”, in Gorilla, →OCLC:
- Talking 'bout in Mexico (Mexico) / In a honky-tonk down in Mexico
- (dated) Any cheap nightclub.
- (dated, uncountable) The type of music typically played in such a club.
- (music, uncountable) A style of country music emphasizing traditional country instruments (e.g., guitar, steel guitar and fiddle); a rough, nasal vocal style; and tragic themes such as heartbreak, infidelity and alcoholism often associated with patrons of honky-tonks.
Derived terms
See also
Further reading
honky-tonk on Wikipedia.Wikipedia
