licorice stick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareInformal, slang (especially jazz musicians' jargon)
Quick answer
What does “licorice stick” mean?
A clarinet, especially in jazz or informal contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A clarinet, especially in jazz or informal contexts.
Can refer to any wind instrument with a cylindrical shape resembling a stick of licorice; sometimes used metaphorically for slender black objects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in American jazz slang; British usage is rare and typically only in historical jazz contexts or direct American cultural imports.
Connotations
In American English: nostalgic, informal, musician's insider term. In British English: primarily recognized as an Americanism.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, but marginally more recognized in American English due to jazz history.
Grammar
How to Use “licorice stick” in a Sentence
He plays + [the] licorice stick.The sound of + [a/the] licorice stick + filled the room.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used, only in historical or ethnomusicological papers on jazz slang.
Everyday
Very rare; would be understood mostly by older jazz enthusiasts.
Technical
Not used in formal musicology; 'clarinet' is the technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “licorice stick”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “licorice stick”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “licorice stick”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it refers to actual candy in context.
- Misspelling as 'liquorice stick' in American contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, in jazz slang. Very rarely it could describe another slender, black wind instrument, but clarinet is the default meaning.
While 'liquorice' is the standard British spelling for the plant/candy, the jazz term 'licorice stick' originated in the US and typically retains the American 'licorice' spelling even in UK contexts discussing jazz.
It is considered dated or archaic. Modern musicians might use it for a vintage or humorous effect, but 'clarinet' is the universal term.
In normal usage, no. The candy would be called a 'stick of licorice/liquorice'. The compound 'licorice stick' is almost exclusively the jazz slang term for a clarinet.
A clarinet, especially in jazz or informal contexts.
Licorice stick is usually informal, slang (especially jazz musicians' jargon) in register.
Licorice stick: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪk.ər.ɪs stɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪk.ər.ɪʃ stɪk/ or /ˈlɪk.ər.ɪs stɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not commonly idiomatic; the term itself is a metaphorical compound]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a stick of black licorice candy. Now imagine blowing through it to make jazz music—that's a 'licorice stick' (clarinet).
Conceptual Metaphor
INSTRUMENT IS FOOD / OBJECT FOR INSTRUMENT (slang). The dark wood of the clarinet resembles a stick of black licorice.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'licorice stick' most appropriately used?