twang

== English == === Etymology === Onomatopoeic. Compare Middle English twengen (“to pinch, tweak”) (whence modern English twinge), from Old English twenġan (“to pinch, twinge”); Middle English twingen (“to afflict, torment, oppress”), from Old Norse þvinga (“to weigh down, oppress”); Old English twingan (“to force, press”). === Pronunciation === (without æ-raising) IPA(key): /ˈtwæŋ/ (æ-raising) IPA(key): /ˈtweɪ̯ŋ/, /ˈtwɛ̃ŋ/ Rhymes: -æŋ Hyphenation: twang === Noun === twang (plural twangs) The sharp, quick sound of a vibrating tight string, for example, of a bow or a musical instrument. Coordinate terms: hum, plink (music) A particular sharp vibrating sound characteristic of electric guitars. A trace of a regional or foreign accent in someone's voice. (phonetics) The sound quality that appears in the human voice when the epilaryngeal tube is narrowed. Near-synonym: nasality A sharp, pungent taste or flavor; sometimes, a disagreeable one specifically. Synonym: tang Coordinate term: zing (vulgar, slang) An annoying or stupid person; especially, a recalcitrant. Coordinate terms: twat, tweeb ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Verb === twang (third-person singular simple present twangs, present participle twanging, simple past and past participle twanged) (ambitransitive) To produce or cause to produce a sharp vibrating sound, like a tense string pulled and suddenly let go. (intransitive) To have a nasal sound. (intransitive) To have a trace of a regional or foreign accent. (music) To play a stringed musical instrument by plucking and snapping. ==== Coordinate terms ==== ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ====