ENGLISH
REFERENCE

Bronx cheer

idiom
Meaning

Synonym of raspberry (“a sound intended to resemble flatulence made by blowing air out of the mouth while the tongue is protruding from and pressed against the lips, used humorously or to express disdain or scorn”).


Origin

disputed origin

Believed to originate from the making of the sound during sporting and other events in the Bronx, a borough of New York City, New York, USA.

Examples
SIMPLE

The crowd gave the referee a Bronx cheer after the bad call.

CONTEXTUAL

When the politician made his empty promise, someone in the back row let out a loud Bronx cheer.

COMPLEX

The audience expressed their collective disdain for the lackluster performance by greeting the lead actor with a resounding Bronx cheer as he exited the stage.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    cheer up

    To become happier or less downcast.

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