double drummer
Very Low (Specialist/Niche)Specialist/Regional/Australian Informal
Definition
Meaning
The largest species of Australian cicada (Thopha saccata), known for its exceptionally loud mating call resembling a drumbeat.
1. The insect itself, found in eastern Australia. 2. Informally, something or someone that makes a repetitive, loud noise similar to drumming. 3. In cricket slang, a very fast, powerful delivery that hits the pitch twice or produces a loud double sound.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an Australian English term with strong regional ecological associations. The 'double' refers to the perceived two-part nature of its loud call. Outside Australia, it is virtually unknown and would require explanation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is specific to Australian fauna and culture. In British and American English, the concept would be described as 'a large/loud cicada' or 'a type of cicada', not with this specific name.
Connotations
In Australian English: nature, summer, bush, distinctive sound. In BrE/AmE: zero recognition, potential confusion with musical or sports terms.
Frequency
Used in Australia within relevant contexts (entomology, natural history, gardening); extremely rare to non-existent in standard British or American vocabularies.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [noun phrase] sounds like a double drummer.We could hear a double drummer [verb-ing] in the gum trees.It's the call of the double drummer.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare/Non-standard] To go off like a double drummer: to start making a sudden, loud noise or commotion.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in entomology, zoology, and Australian ecological studies.
Everyday
Used in eastern Australia to refer to the specific insect, especially in summer. May be used metaphorically for loud noise.
Technical
The accepted common name for the species Thopha saccata in entomological texts and field guides.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - not used attributively as a standard adjective.
American English
- N/A - not used attributively as a standard adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Listen! That is a double drummer.
- The double drummer is a very loud insect from Australia.
- During the hot summer months, the relentless call of the double drummer fills the Australian bush.
- The distinctive, percussive mating call of the double drummer, Thopha saccata, can reach volumes detrimental to human hearing if one is too close.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a drummer in a band who is so loud they need a DOUBLE set of drums - that's this cicada.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURE IS A PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE; the insect is conceptualized as a musician producing a rhythmic, loud sound.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'двойной барабанщик' in a general context; it will be misunderstood as a person. Use 'цикада вида Thopha saccata' or 'австралийская цикада-барабанщик' with explanation.
- The word 'drummer' does not imply the insect looks like a drum; it refers to the sound.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to refer to any loud insect outside Australia.
- Capitalising it as a proper name (it's not typically capitalised).
- Assuming it is a musical term.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'double drummer' primarily?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily the common name for a large, loud species of cicada native to eastern Australia (Thopha saccata).
You can, but most listeners will not understand it without explanation, as it refers to a specific Australian insect.
The name comes from its loud mating call, which has a two-part, drum-like rhythm.
Very rarely. One non-standard Australian idiom is 'to go off like a double drummer', meaning to make a sudden loud noise or fuss.