honk-a-tonk

Noun

honky-tonk (countable and uncountable, plural honky-tonks)

1. (US) A bar or nightclub that caters to Southern patrons and provides country music for entertainment.
   • But I made a vow to the moon and stars / That I'd search the honky-tonks and bars / And kill that man who gave me that awful name1969, Shel Silverstein, “A Boy Named Sue”, performed by Johnny Cash
2. (dated) Any cheap nightclub.
3. (dated, uncountable) The type of music typically played in such a club.
4. (uncountable) A style of country music emphasizing traditional country instruments (e.g., guitar, steel guitar and fiddle); a rough, nasal vocal style; and tragic themes such as heartbreak, infidelity and alcoholism often associated with patrons of honky-tonks.

See all 5 meanings of honky-tonk