Twang: Difference between revisions
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Duane Eddy was particular with the twang sound in his music career |
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{{Short description|Onomatopoeia describing the sound of a musical string being plucked}} |
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{{other uses}} |
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{{wiktionary}} |
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'''Twang''' is an [[onomatopoeia]] originally used to describe the sound of a vibrating [[bow and arrow|bow]] string after the arrow is released.<ref name="Wedgwood">Hensleigh Wedgwood, ''A Dictionary of English Etymology: Q - Z'' (1865), p. 433.</ref> By extension, it applies to the similar vibration produced when the [[Plucked string instrument|string of a musical instrument is plucked]], and similar sounds. The term came to be applied to a [[Nasalization|nasal]] [[vocal resonation]], and was historically used to describe "a disagreeable resonance".<ref name="Wedgwood"/> Later, however, the term came to be more broadly associated with regional dialects, to the extent that in some locations, "a twang is a desirable commodity".<ref>Jim Tushinski, Jim Van Buskirk, ''Identity Envy Wanting to Be Who We're Not: Creative Nonfiction by Queer Writers'' (2014), p. 27.</ref> |
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Twang can be used in many forms, not just a silly, cartoon word, but also as a word for describing certain sounds. Guitars are plucked and make a "twang". It can be used in describing anything to do with elastic bands - when stretched and released, they make quite a distinct twang. |
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This is very much a casual word, however. It is not used in formal public speeches and such like, but is used in casual aquaintances, and usually is a cartoony word. |
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Specific uses of the term include: |
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A '''twang''' can also be used to describe a mild [[accent]] - for example somebody from [[Yorkshire]] who has lived outside the county for many years, and whose speech has softened, could be described as having a Yorkshire twang. |
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* A particular sharp vibrating sound characteristic of some [[electric guitar]]s. |
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* A high frequency singing sound especially affected by [[Country music|country]] singers. It allows for a higher vocal reach than would be possible using the standard [[Guttural vocals|guttural]] technique and can be used as an alternative to [[falsetto]] singing. [[Willie Nelson]] almost always sings with a twang voice. |
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* Rock and roll guitarist [[Duane Eddy]] utilized the twang sound during his career; his major label debut was entitled ''[[Have 'Twangy' Guitar Will Travel]]''. |
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==See also== |
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Twang can also be used as a verb/adjective, in the same way google is. Example: "Man thats a serious case of twang" or "I hope she's not all twagned up after that fight" |
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* [[Jangle]] |
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==References== |
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Twang also describes a ringing vocal quality caused by a narrowing of the aryepiglottic sphincter.[http://www.anthonywinter.com.au/cds/] |
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{{reflist}} |
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[[Category:Nasalization]] |
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[[Category:Extended techniques]] |
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[[Category:Country music]] |
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{{Vocab-stub}} |
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Latest revision as of 15:57, 10 December 2024
Look up twang in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Twang is an onomatopoeia originally used to describe the sound of a vibrating bow string after the arrow is released.[1] By extension, it applies to the similar vibration produced when the string of a musical instrument is plucked, and similar sounds. The term came to be applied to a nasal vocal resonation, and was historically used to describe "a disagreeable resonance".[1] Later, however, the term came to be more broadly associated with regional dialects, to the extent that in some locations, "a twang is a desirable commodity".[2]
Specific uses of the term include:
- A particular sharp vibrating sound characteristic of some electric guitars.
- A high frequency singing sound especially affected by country singers. It allows for a higher vocal reach than would be possible using the standard guttural technique and can be used as an alternative to falsetto singing. Willie Nelson almost always sings with a twang voice.
- Rock and roll guitarist Duane Eddy utilized the twang sound during his career; his major label debut was entitled Have 'Twangy' Guitar Will Travel.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]
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