PhrasesHub

Bronx cheer

    Definitions

      • expressing disapproval or derision
        To make a loud, flatulent-like noise with the tongue and lips as a way of showing disrespect or contempt for something or someone

      • sarcastic praise or congratulations
        To use the Bronx cheer as a way of sarcastically congratulating or praising someone, often in a mocking or insincere manner

      • indication of failure
        To use the Bronx cheer as a way of indicating that something or someone has failed or been unsuccessful in a particular situation

    Examples of Bronx cheer

    • As the Senator delivered his annual State of the Union address, the opposition party members in the audience responded with loud and boisterous Bronx cheers.

      The Bronx cheer is a rude gesture in which the hand is held against the side of the body, and the index and little fingers are extended to form a "V" shape, while the middle and ring fingers, and the thumb are curled inwards. It is commonly used as a disapproving or insulting gesture, particularly in a political or public speaking setting. In this example, the Bronx cheer was used by the opposition party members to express their disapproval and discontent with the Senator's speech.

    • The celebrity guest at the awards ceremony was met with a chorus of Bronx cheers as she made her way to the podium to accept her award.

      In this example, the Bronx cheer is used sarcastically to indicate that the celebrity guest was actually booed or heckled by the audience. The use of the Bronx cheer in this way is meant to highlight the fact that the guest may have been expecting a warm and welcoming reception, but instead, she received the opposite.

    • The football coach's team was greeted with Bronx cheers as they entered the stadium for their first game of the season.

      In this example, the Bronx cheer is used metaphorically to describe the overwhelming negativity and hostility directed towards the football coach's team by the opposing team's fans. The use of the Bronx cheer in this way is meant to highlight the intense and hostile atmosphere of a football stadium, particularly during a heated match.

    • The media pundits were giving the new politician a Bronx cheer as she announced her candidacy for office.

      In this example, the Bronx cheer is used figuratively to indicate that the media pundits were expressing their overwhelming disapproval and opposed to the new politician's candidacy. The use of the Bronx cheer in this way is meant to highlight the intense scrutiny and criticism that new politicians often face from the media.

    • During the politician's speech, some members of the audience let out a Bronx cheer.

      The Bronx cheer, also known as raspberry, is a rude and dismissive gesture made by puckering the lips and blowing air as if to spit. In this context, it indicates that some members of the audience showed their disapproval and contempt for the politician's speech by making this noise.

    • When the boss announced the new workplace policy, some of his employees gave him a Bronx cheer.

      The use of the Bronx cheer in this example demonstrates that some of the employees strongly disagreed with the new policy and expressed their displeasure.

    • The sports team's fans were booing and giving them the Bronx cheer after they lost their match.

      This usage of the Bronx cheer shows that the fans expressed their annoyance with the team's poor performance during the match.

    • The judge banged her gavel and sentenced the criminal to several years in jail. As she left the courtroom, the defendant blew a Bronx cheer at her.

      In this example, the defendant's use of the Bronx cheer conveys their disrespect and disregard for the judge's authority. It could also be interpreted as a sign of defiance or arrogance on the part of the criminal.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Bronx cheer" is often used to express disapproval or derision towards something or someone. It can also be used sarcastically to praise or congratulate someone in a mocking or insincere manner. Additionally, it can indicate failure or lack of success in a situation.

    Origin of "Bronx cheer"

    The origin of the idiom "Bronx cheer" can be traced back to the early 20th century in the Bronx borough of New York City. It is believed to have originated from the sound of a raspberry or flatulence, which is made by pressing one's tongue and lips together and blowing.

    This sound was often used by Bronx residents to express their displeasure or mockery towards something or someone. As the Bronx was known for its tough and working-class population, the phrase became associated with toughness and defiance.

    Over time, the idiom spread beyond the Bronx and became a commonly used phrase in American English to express disapproval or sarcastic praise. It is also sometimes referred to as a "raspberry" or "razz," both of which are derived from the sound it represents.