honky-tonk
1 of 2noun
hon·ky-tonk ˈhäŋ-kē-ˌtäŋk 
ˈhȯŋ-kē-ˌtȯŋk
1
: a usually tawdry nightclub or dance hall
especially : one that features country music
2
: a district marked by places of cheap entertainment
3
: country music that has a heavy beat and lyrics dealing usually with vice or misfortune
honky-tonker
ˈhäŋ-kē-ˌtäŋ-kər
noun ˈhȯŋ-kē-ˌtȯŋ-
honky-tonk
2 of 2adjective
1
: of, used in, or being a form of ragtime piano playing performed typically on an upright piano
2
: marked by or characteristic of honky-tonks
Word History
Etymology
Noun
origin unknown
First Known Use
Noun
1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adjective
1899, in the meaning defined at sense 2
honky-tonks
noun
as in speakeasies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- speakeasies
- barrooms
- saloons
- taverns
- pubs
- key clubs
- dives
- clip joints
- roadhouses
- nightclubs
- discotheques
- cabarets
- discos
- cafés
- nightspots
- bistros
- watering places
- public houses
- watering holes
- canteens
- boîtes
- clubs
- cafes
- supper clubs
- discothéques
- a-go-gos
- niteries
