Meaning of Honky-Tonk | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A bar or nightclub that caters to Southern patrons and provides country music for entertainment.
   US, countable, uncountable
2. Any cheap nightclub.
   countable, dated, uncountable
3. The type of music typically played in such a club.
   dated, uncountable
4. 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.
   uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“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”

“Talking 'bout in Mexico (Mexico) / In a honky-tonk down in Mexico”

“New honky-tonks have been popping up across the nation, even in blue states.”

CEFR level