Honky-tonk Definition
hôngkē-tôngk, hŏngkē-tŏngk
honky-tonks
noun
honky-tonks
A cheap, disreputable, noisy cabaret or nightclub.
Webster's New World
A bar, esp. one where country music is played.
Webster's New World
Alternative spelling of honky-tonk.
Wiktionary
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.
Wiktionary
adjective
Of or like a honky-tonk; specif., cheap, loud, low-class, etc.
Webster's New World
Of or relating to such a bar or dance hall; tawdry.
A honky-tonk district; honky-tonk entertainers.
American Heritage
Designating or of a style of piano music having a bouncy rhythm and a tinkling sound.
Webster's New World
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verb
To visit cheap, noisy bars or dance halls.
American Heritage
To make the rounds of honky-tonks.
Webster's New World
Other Word Forms of Honky-tonk
Noun
Singular:
honky-tonk
Plural:
honky-tonksOrigin of Honky-tonk
From honk-a-tonk (“a cheap nightclub”), possibly imitative
From Wiktionary
Perhaps from honk
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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