torch song: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Literary/Musical
Quick answer
What does “torch song” mean?
A popular song, typically sung by a woman, about love that is unrequited or has ended painfully.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A popular song, typically sung by a woman, about love that is unrequited or has ended painfully.
Any emotionally intense song about lost love, heartbreak, or longing, regardless of the singer's gender. It can also refer to a style or performance of such songs, characterized by dramatic, heartfelt delivery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more culturally embedded in American English due to its origins in Tin Pan Alley and Broadway. In British English, it might be used more specifically in discussions of musical genres or theatre.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a certain theatrical, dramatic, and old-fashioned style. In AmE, it can evoke a specific historical era (1930s-1950s). In BrE, it may sound like a specialized musical term.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both varieties. More common in music criticism, theatre contexts, and discussions of popular culture history.
Grammar
How to Use “torch song” in a Sentence
perform/sing a torch songthe torch song is about Xa torch song for YVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “torch song” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to torch-song her way through the set, much to the audience's delight.
- The musical theatre student was advised not to over-torch-song the more subtle numbers.
American English
- She totally torch-songed that number, bringing the house down.
- The singer has a knack for torch-songing even the peppiest tunes.
adverb
British English
- She sang torch-song-ly, with a world-weary vibrato.
- The number was performed somewhat torch-song-ly, which was an interesting choice.
American English
- He crooned torch-songly into the microphone.
- She delivered the line torch-songly, dripping with regret.
adjective
British English
- Her torch-song delivery was impeccable, filled with smoky nuance.
- He adopted a torch-song style for the bridge of the otherwise upbeat track.
American English
- That's a real torch-song moment in the middle of the album.
- She's got that classic torch-song quality in her voice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in musicology, cultural studies, and theatre history to describe a genre or performance style.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used by someone discussing music or a poignant performance.
Technical
A term in music criticism and theatrical reviewing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “torch song”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “torch song”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “torch song”
- Using it to describe any sad song (must specifically concern romantic love). Using it for angry breakup songs (torch songs are typically mournful, not aggressive). Confusing with 'protest song'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, originally the term was gendered, but modern usage accepts it for any performer. However, the classic archetype remains a female vocalist.
Torch songs are a specific subgenre of popular song focused on romantic longing, often with theatrical or cinematic delivery. Blues is a broader musical genre originating in African American communities, dealing with a wide range of hardships, not exclusively love. A torch song can be bluesy in style, but not all blues are torch songs.
It is not common in everyday conversation. It is a specialist term used in music, theatre, and cultural criticism, often to evoke a specific style or historical period.
A singer, typically female, who specialises in performing torch songs. Famous examples include Judy Garland, Billie Holiday (in some performances), and more recently, artists like Amy Winehouse have been described as having a torch song quality.
A popular song, typically sung by a woman, about love that is unrequited or has ended painfully.
Torch song is usually informal, literary/musical in register.
Torch song: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɔːtʃ sɒŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɔːrtʃ sɔːŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to carry a torch for someone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a singer holding a literal TORCH on a dark stage, singing a SONG of love that has burned out, leaving only the torch she carries.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOVE IS FIRE / UNREQUITED LOVE IS CARRYING A TORCH
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be described as a torch song?