What does twang mean?
Twang names a sharp, resonant sound, most often the sound of a plucked or vibrating string. It can describe the brief ringing note made by a guitar, banjo, bowstring, or similar instrument, as in “a twang of the guitar,” and it can also serve as a verb: to twang a string is to pull or pluck it so that it sounds. The word has several less common but established uses. A twang of pain means a sudden sharp twinge, while a twang in someone's voice describes a pronounced nasal or drawling quality. These figurative senses develop naturally from the idea of a brief, sharp movement and its sound. Although closely associated with country, folk, and traditional music, twang is not restricted to any one genre or region. It is especially useful when precision matters because it identifies a sound that is sharper, shorter, and more resonant than a general tone or note.
A sharp, resonant sound, especially one produced by a plucked or vibrating string; also a sudden sharp pain or a pronounced nasal quality in speech.
"A twang from the old guitar echoed through the empty hall."
The pain and speech senses are less common than the musical sense.
To pluck or pull a string so that it makes a sharp, ringing sound; informally, to speak with a pronounced nasal drawl.
"She twanged the bowstring and sent a clear note across the room."
The speech sense is informal and may carry a note of regional or social stereotyping.
The noun is countable when referring to individual sounds or twinges; the plural is usually used for repeated sounds.
"The twangs of the loose strings filled the workshop."
A twang is the shortest possible way to make a string speak.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does twang come from?
The English word dates from the early 17th century and is generally understood as an imitative formation representing a sharp, ringing sound. It was used both for the sound itself and for the action of plucking or pulling a string. The later senses for a sharp twinge of pain and a nasal manner of speaking developed by extension from the word's associations with sudden, sharp movement.
Related word forms
How twang is actually used
The musical sense is neutral and widely used in British and American English. The sense involving a nasal accent is more informal and can sometimes suggest a stereotype about a particular region or social background, so it is best used carefully.
Easily confused with twang
A tang is a sharp taste or smell, whereas a twang is primarily a ringing sound, a sharp pain, or a nasal manner of speaking.