twang
twang — verb
1. To pull and release a tight string — especially on a musical instrument — so tha
To pull and release a tight string — especially on a musical instrument — so that it produces a short, sharp, ringing sound; or for a tight string to make such a sound when it is moved or struck.
Rin twanged the guitar string and the sound filled the room.
twang + guitar string (direct object)
The old fence wire twanged as Bilal pushed through the gap.
intransitive: wire + twangs
Marco picked up the banjo and twanged a few notes for the children.
Each time the bow hit the cello string, it twanged loudly.
文法句型
twang + noun phrase (string/instrument)
twang (intransitive, string/instrument as subject)
用法筆記
Object is typically a single string (guitar string, banjo string) or the instrument itself. When used intransitively, the subject is the object that produces the sound (wire, spring, string).
常見錯誤
2. To speak or pronounce words in a way that sounds as if the air is coming partly
To speak or pronounce words in a way that sounds as if the air is coming partly through the nose, often with a ringing quality that is typical of a particular region or accent.
The old man twanged his reply in a strong country accent.
transitive: twang + reply
Pim's voice twanged with the familiar sound of the local dialect.
intransitive: voice + twangs
Some actors twang their words on purpose to sound like cowboys.
As soon as he got nervous, his speech would start to twang.
- speak nasally
more clinical and neutral; lacks the regional connotation of 'twang'
文法句型
twang + noun phrase (word/reply/speech)
voice/accent + twangs (intransitive)
用法筆記
Almost always describes a regional or rural way of speaking. Common in descriptions of Southern U.S. English, but can apply to any nasal-sounding accent. When transitive, the object is typically a speech act (reply, word, name).
常見錯誤
twang — noun
1. A short, sharp, ringing sound that results from pulling and releasing a taut str
A short, sharp, ringing sound that results from pulling and releasing a taut string or similar object, or from hitting a stretched surface.
The twang of the bowstring sent the arrow flying across the field.
twang of + bowstring (source)
Ezra heard the metallic twang of a broken spring in the old mattress.
collocation: metallic twang
A loud twang came from the guitar when Sana accidentally knocked it over.
The twang of the rubber band against the desk made everyone look up.
- thud
a dull, heavy sound instead of a sharp, ringing one
文法句型
the/ a twang of + noun (string/spring/bow)
用法筆記
Describes a specific type of sound — short and ringing — that is different from a longer 'buzz' or a dull 'thud'. Often used with string instruments, archery equipment, or everyday objects like rubber bands or loose wires.
常見錯誤
2. A quality in a person's voice that sounds nasal — as if the air they speak with
A quality in a person's voice that sounds nasal — as if the air they speak with is moving through the nasal passages — often associated with a particular region or accent.
The singer's country twang made her songs sound warm and earthy.
collocation: country twang
Rachid spoke with a slight nasal twang from his cold.
collocation: nasal twang
You can hear the local twang in the way older people pronounce 'town'.
Ignacio's accent has a soft twang that reminds me of the American South.
文法句型
a/ the + adjective + twang
a twang + preposition + region
用法筆記
Usually appears with a modifier that identifies the region or quality (Southern twang, country twang, nasal twang). Less commonly used for temporary nasal speech from a cold than for a permanent accent feature.
常見錯誤
❌ 'Her voice had a beautiful twang.' (without context) — 'Twang' has a rustic or country connotation; without context it may sound odd paired with 'beautiful'.