jangle etymology

Etymology

The word "jangle" comes from the Middle English word "janglen," which is believed to be onomatopoeic, meaning it imitates the sound of something ringing or clashing.

Meaning and Origin

"Jangle" is a verb that means:

  • To make a harsh or discordant sound, especially by clinking or rattling
  • To talk or argue in a noisy or unpleasant way
  • To cause irritation or discord

In its original sense, "jangle" referred to the sound of bells or chimes. Over time, the meaning expanded to include any harsh or discordant sound, and later to figurative uses related to speech and behavior.

The word "jangle" is often used in the context of music to describe the sound of out-of-tune or clashing notes. It can also describe the unpleasant sound of metal or other hard objects banging together.

In figurative usage, "jangle" is used to describe discordant or unpleasant speech or behavior. For example, a person who is constantly complaining or arguing may be described as "jangling."

Here are some examples of how the word "jangle" is used:

  • The bells jangled loudly in the wind.
  • The sound of their voices jangled my nerves.
  • The couple's constant arguments jangled the atmosphere.
  • The guitar's strings were jangling out of tune.

jangle relate terms

  • jangly

    Etymology From the verb jangle which dates back to the 14th century and comes from th

  • jangle

    Etymology The word jangle comes from the Middle English word janglen which is believ

  • jingle

    Etymology The word jingle is believed to have originated from several possible sources

  • jingle

    Etymology The word jingle is believed to have originated from several possible sources

  • sound

    Etymology From Middle English sound from Old English sund from Proto Germanic sunðaz

  • noise

    Etymology Old French noyse from Latin nausea seasickness nausea Meaning Any

  • anxious

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  • heaven

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  • shower

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  • jealous

    Etymology and Meaning The word jealous comes from the Latin word zelosus which mean

  • crucible

    Etymology Old French creuset Late Latin crucibulum a diminutive of crux cross Latin