honky-tonk
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for honky-tonk, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A cheap, noisy bar or dance hall, especially in the southern and western United States, where country music is played live.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use honky-tonk
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Informal but standard American English, especially in music writing. Rarely used in British contexts except about American culture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a honky-tonk and a juke joint?
Both are small, rough drinking and dancing venues in the American South. Honky-tonks are associated with white working-class culture and country music; juke joints grew out of Black communities and were the home of blues and early R&B. The layout and spirit of the two are very similar.
Why is a piano called honky-tonk?
Bar pianos were cheap, heavily used and rarely tuned, giving a bright, jangling, slightly detuned sound. The name of the venue transferred to the sound, and it is now deliberately imitated — some pianos have a honky-tonk setting.
How do you spell it — honkytonk or honky-tonk?
Honky-tonk with a hyphen is the usual dictionary form, and honkytonk as one word is common in song titles and business names. Both are read the same way.