# rubber hose

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/rubber-hose
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A classic animated cartoon style which was first introduced in the early 20th century.

## Examples

- The old cartoon uses the rubber hose style for its characters.
- Many modern video games now use a rubber hose animation style to mimic the look of early twentieth-century films.
- The artist carefully studied vintage animation techniques to replicate the distinct, fluid movements characteristic of the rubber hose style in her latest short film.

## Origin

From rubber + hose.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.