The spelling of the phrase "American Raspberry" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable is stressed, so it sounds like [əˈmɛrəkən], with the schwa vowel sound in the first and third syllables. The second word, "raspberry," is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable and the IPA transcription is [ˈræzˌbɛri]. This phrase refers to an idiom in British English meaning a rude sound made by blowing air out of the mouth, also known as "Bronx cheer" in American English.
American Raspberry is a colloquial slang term primarily used in North America to refer to a gesture of amusement, ridicule, or contempt. It involves making a noise by exhaling forcefully through the lips while simultaneously sticking out the tongue. Also known as the Bronx cheer, horse lips, or blowing a raspberry, this gesture involves creating a buzzing sound that is meant to imitate the sound of flatulence. The term "American Raspberry" is derived from the fact that this gesture is predominantly practiced in the United States, although it also has variations in other parts of the world.
Typically used as a nonverbal expression, the American Raspberry serves as a playful and lighthearted way to mock or show disapproval towards someone or something. It is often used in response to a joke, prank, sarcastic comment, or an act considered foolish or foolishly executed. The act itself consists of puckering or pursing the lips and, while exhaling, producing a rasp or buzzing noise with the tip of the tongue placed between the lips.
It is important to note that the American Raspberry is generally seen as a humorous and harmless gesture, intended to lighten the mood or create joviality. However, it can also be considered rude or disrespectful in certain contexts, depending on cultural norms and individual sensibilities.
The phrase "American raspberry" does not have a specific etymology as it is not widely recognized as a specific term or phrase with a defined meaning. However, if you are referring to the term "raspberry" as slang, then the etymology can be traced back to British English.
In British slang, "to blow a raspberry" means to make a noise by placing the tongue between the lips and expelling air forcibly against the lips, producing a sound similar to flatulence. This derogatory gesture is often done to express ridicule, disapproval, or to show disagreement.
The term "raspberry" in this context is believed to have originated from Cockney rhyming slang, a form of slang where words are replaced with phrases or words that rhyme with them. The phrase "raspberry tart" rhymes with "fart", which is a slang term for flatulence.