honky-tonk

See also: honkytonk and honky tonk

English

Alternative forms

• honky tonk, honkytonk

Etymology

From honk-a-tonk (“a cheap nightclub”), possibly imitative

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈhɒŋkiˌtɒŋk/, /ˈhɑŋkiˌtɑŋk/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

honky-tonk (plural honky-tonks)

1. A bar or nightclub that caters to Southern patrons and provides country music for entertainment.
2. (dated) Any cheap nightclub.

   Gimme, gimme, gimme the honky-tonk blues. The Rolling Stones, "Honky-tonk Woman".

3. (dated) The type of music typically played in such a club
4. (music) 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.

Synonyms

• (music) country music

Derived terms

• honky tonk-like

See also

• honky