The expression "giving Bronx cheer" is used to describe the act of blowing a raspberry or making a rude sound with your mouth, as a sign of disapproval or mockery. The origins of the expression are rooted in the sound of the horns and sirens heard in New York's Bronx borough. In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation is /ˈbrɑŋks tʃɪr/, with the first syllable rhyming with "longs" and the "-ch-" sound represented by the digraph "tch".
The phrase "giving Bronx cheer" refers to a specific gesture or action that conveys mockery, disdain, or derision towards someone or something. It involves making a loud, rasping sound by blowing a raspberry with the lips, often accompanied by a dismissive facial expression. The behavior is intended to express disapproval, scorn, or sarcasm towards someone or their ideas, often in a sarcastic or humorous manner.
The term "giving Bronx cheer" is derived from the belief that this action originated in the Bronx borough of New York City, where it allegedly gained popularity as a form of expression among baseball spectators in the early 20th century. The Bronx cheer is characterized by a deliberate and exaggerated inhaling through the nose and forcefully expelling air through the lips, producing a derisive sound.
This gesture is commonly used in situations where someone wants to openly display their dissatisfaction or disagreement with an individual, a statement, or an event. It is primarily employed to belittle or mock someone or their actions, and is often seen as impolite or rude.
The act of "giving Bronx cheer" can be employed both verbally and non-verbally, with the intention of ridiculing the subject of criticism. It serves as a means to effectively express discontentment or disapproval, and is often associated with sarcastic humor or irony.