hendrix: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “hendrix” mean?
A proper noun referring to the legendary American rock musician Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to the legendary American rock musician Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970).
Used metonymically to refer to a person who displays exceptional, innovative skill in electric guitar playing or rock music, reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix's style and virtuosity. Also refers to his music, image, or associated cultural artifacts (e.g., a Hendrix poster).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The cultural reference is globally recognised, though perhaps with slightly higher frequency in American English due to Hendrix's nationality.
Connotations
Identical connotations of supreme guitar skill, musical genius, psychedelic rock, and 1960s counterculture.
Frequency
Marginally more frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “hendrix” in a Sentence
the [genitive] Hendrix (e.g., the band's Hendrix)a Hendrix of [field] (e.g., a Hendrix of jazz)play like HendrixVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hendrix” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- It was a very Hendrix-esque performance, full of feedback and wild solos.
- He has a Hendrix vibe about him.
American English
- That was a totally Hendrix-style guitar riff.
- She wore a Hendrix-inspired outfit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in music/entertainment industry (e.g., 'marketing the Hendrix estate').
Academic
Rare, except in musicology or cultural studies discussing 20th-century music.
Everyday
Informal, in conversations about music, guitar playing, or 1960s culture.
Technical
Not used in technical fields unless referring to specific audio equipment or techniques associated with him.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hendrix”
- Misspelling as 'Hendricks' or 'Hendrixs'. Using it as a common countable noun without an article in its core meaning (e.g., 'I saw Hendrix' vs. 'I saw a Hendrix poster').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'Hendrix' is not conventionally used as a verb in standard English.
Yes, but only informally and figuratively (e.g., 'He's a real Hendrix on the strings'). It's a metaphorical use.
The most common mistake is misspelling it, often as 'Hendricks' with an added 'k'.
No, the standard pronunciation /ˈhɛndrɪks/ is essentially the same in both major varieties.
A proper noun referring to the legendary American rock musician Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970).
Hendrix is usually informal in register.
Hendrix: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɛndrɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɛndrɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(to) pull a Hendrix: To perform an exceptionally innovative or flamboyant guitar solo.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of HEND + RIX. HEND sounds like 'hend' (old word for 'hand'), and RIX sounds like 'ricks' (short for 'tricks'). Remember: the 'hand tricks' of a guitar genius.
Conceptual Metaphor
HENDRIX IS A PARAGON (the ultimate standard of guitar excellence).
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'He's the Hendrix of electronic music,' what does 'Hendrix' metaphorically represent?