bronx cheer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal
Quick answer
What does “bronx cheer” mean?
A loud, derisive sound made by blowing through closed lips to express contempt, scorn, or mockery.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A loud, derisive sound made by blowing through closed lips to express contempt, scorn, or mockery; a raspberry.
Any expression of strong disapproval, mockery, or derision, often in a public or group setting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is overwhelmingly American. In British English, 'raspberry' (from 'raspberry tart', rhyming slang for 'fart') is the standard equivalent.
Connotations
In American usage, it carries connotations of working-class, urban, or sports-fan derision. In British contexts, using 'Bronx cheer' might sound like an Americanism.
Frequency
Common in American informal speech and journalism; rare in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “bronx cheer” in a Sentence
[Subject] gave [Indirect Object] a Bronx cheer.The announcement was met with Bronx cheers from the crowd.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bronx cheer” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- His terrible punchline was rewarded with a chorus of raspberries from the audience.
- The politician's claim got nothing but a loud raspberry from the press corps.
American English
- The referee's controversial call earned him a loud Bronx cheer from the home fans.
- She responded to his arrogant comment with a sarcastic Bronx cheer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The CEO's new policy was met with the financial equivalent of a Bronx cheer from analysts.'
Academic
Very rare, except in cultural or linguistic studies discussing American slang.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation to describe a rude, mocking reaction.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bronx cheer”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with a regular 'cheer'. A Bronx cheer is the opposite.
- Using it in a British context where 'raspberry' is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Booing is a vocal 'boo' sound. A Bronx cheer is a non-vocal, sputtering sound made with the lips and tongue.
It originated in the United States in the early 20th century, associated with the boisterous crowds at sporting events, particularly in the Bronx borough of New York City.
It is primarily a noun. The verb form is rare but possible (e.g., 'The fans Bronx-cheered the umpire'). It's more common to use 'give a Bronx cheer'.
It is informal and deliberately disrespectful or mocking in context, but the term itself is not a slur. It describes a rude gesture.
A loud, derisive sound made by blowing through closed lips to express contempt, scorn, or mockery.
Bronx cheer is usually informal in register.
Bronx cheer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrɒŋks ˈtʃɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbrɑːŋks ˈtʃɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To give someone the Bronx cheer”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a crowd in Yankee Stadium in the Bronx making a loud, sputtering 'pbthhhht' sound to mock the opposing team – that's a Bronx cheer.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTEMPT IS A CRUDE SOUND / PUBLIC DISAPPROVAL IS A NOISE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would giving a 'Bronx cheer' be MOST appropriate?