honky-tonk

See also: honkytonk and honky tonk

English

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Nashville

From honk-a-tonk (“a cheap nightclub”), possibly imitative.

honky-tonk (countable and uncountable, plural honky-tonks)

(US) A bar or nightclub that caters to Southern patrons and provides country music for entertainment.
- 1969, Shel Silverstein (lyrics and music), “A Boy Named Sue”, performed by Johnny Cash:
  But I made a vow to the moon and stars / That I'd search the honky-tonks and bars / And kill that man who gave me that awful name
(dated) Any cheap nightclub.
(dated, uncountable) The type of music typically played in such a club.
(music, uncountable) A style of country music emphasizing traditional country instruments (e.g., guitar, steel guitar and fiddle); a rough, nasal vocal style; and tragic themes such as heartbreak, infidelity and alcoholism often associated with patrons of honky-tonks.