weissmuller: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2+)Informal, historical, allusive
Quick answer
What does “weissmuller” mean?
A reference to Johnny Weissmuller (1904–1984), a Hungarian-American swimmer and actor famous for playing Tarzan in films.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A reference to Johnny Weissmuller (1904–1984), a Hungarian-American swimmer and actor famous for playing Tarzan in films.
Used in the phrase "doing a Weissmuller," referring to the distinctive Tarzan yell or, by extension, an exceptionally loud or primal vocalization. It can also colloquially reference athletic swimming prowess or a rugged, heroic persona.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Recognizability may be slightly higher in the US due to Weissmuller's American career, but the Tarzan films were globally popular.
Connotations
Nostalgia, old Hollywood, physical prowess, a specific type of yell.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, used almost exclusively in niche contexts (film history, trivia, humorous analogy).
Grammar
How to Use “weissmuller” in a Sentence
[Subject] did/let out/pulled a Weissmuller (i.e., a yell).He's a regular Weissmuller in the pool.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weissmuller” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He gave a perfect Weissmuller yell from the treetop.
American English
- That was a truly Weissmuller-esque performance in the water.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in film studies or cultural history contexts discussing the Tarzan character or film stardom.
Everyday
Extremely rare, possibly in humorous conversation among those familiar with old films.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weissmuller”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weissmuller”
- Misspelling (Weismuller, Weisemuller).
- Using it as a common noun without the proper cultural reference.
- Pronouncing the 'W' as /w/ in British English (it's German-derived, so /v/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a proper name (Johnny Weissmuller) used allusively in very limited contexts to refer to his iconic Tarzan yell or swimming ability.
In British English, it's /ˈvaɪsˌmʊlə/ ('VICE-muller'). In American English, it's /ˈwaɪsˌmʊlər/ ('WICE-muller'). Both are approximations of the original German pronunciation.
Almost never. It would only be appropriate in a very specific context, such as a paper on film history, where the name Johnny Weissmuller is directly relevant.
They are synonymous. 'Weissmuller' specifies the most famous actor associated with the yell, while 'Tarzan yell' is the more general term. 'Doing a Weissmuller' implies a direct imitation of his specific performance.
A reference to Johnny Weissmuller (1904–1984), a Hungarian-American swimmer and actor famous for playing Tarzan in films.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Do a Weissmuller: To emit a loud, ululating cry like Tarzan's.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'White Muller' but said 'VICE-muller' (UK) or 'WICE-muller' (US). He was the 'vice' (force) in the role of Tarzan.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS THEIR MOST FAMOUS ACTION (e.g., 'He's a real Weissmuller' = he is like that character/action).
Practice
Quiz
What is meant by the phrase 'He did a Weissmuller'?