Croaky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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croaky

[ˈkrəʊki ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

voice quality

Having a rough, harsh, or hoarse voice, often due to illness or strain.

Synonyms

harsh, hoarse, raspy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
croaky	Typically refers to a sound similar to that of a frog or small amphibians. The night was filled with the croaky calls of frogs by the pond.
hoarse	A hoarse voice is rough and weak, usually because of sore throat, overuse, or other irritation. She could barely speak, her voice was so hoarse after sleepless nights. He gave a hoarse shout, trying to get everyone's attention.
harsh	Describes a voice or sound that is intense, unpleasant or grating to the ears. His harsh criticism left everyone in the room feeling uncomfortable. The harsh sound of the alarm startled her awake.
raspy	Refers to a voice or sound that is rough and scratchy, similar to something being scraped. His raspy voice made it difficult to understand his words. The old man spoke in a raspy tone, his voice weathered by years of smoking.

Examples of usage

My voice sounds croaky because I have a cold.
After yelling all day, my voice became croaky.
The singer's croaky voice added a unique texture to the song.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health

A croaky voice can be a sign of vocal strain, often experienced by singers or people who talk a lot.
Allergies, cold weather, and dehydration can also cause someone's voice to become croaky.
In some cases, a croaky voice indicates laryngitis or other vocal cord issues, which may require rest and hydration.

Pop Culture

Croaky voices are often exaggerated in cartoons when characters impersonate a tired or sick person.
Notable singers, like Rod Stewart and Tom Waits, are famous for their distinctive, croaky singing styles.
The character Kermit the Frog from 'The Muppets' is a beloved example of a character with a croaky voice.

Literature

Croaky voices can convey emotion in writing, helping to depict characters who are exhausted or very emotional.
In poetry, a croaky voice might symbolize struggle, as seen in themes of resilience and hardship.
Classic literature often uses physical descriptions of voices to illustrate a character's state or personality, with croakiness hinting at age or wisdom.

Music

The croaky vocal style is often used in genres like blues and rock, adding a raw and emotional feeling to the music.
Certain vocal techniques mimic a croaky sound to evoke a particular mood or atmosphere in a song.
Songwriters often embrace the unique quality of a croaky voice, finding it more relatable and authentic in performances.

Origin of 'croaky'

Main points about word origin

The term 'croaky' derives from the word 'croak,' which is often associated with the sound made by frogs.
It was first recorded in the English language in the late 19th century, commonly used to describe a particular voice quality.
The word is onomatopoeic, meaning it imitates the sound it describes.

The word 'croaky' originated from the Middle English word 'croken,' meaning to speak hoarsely. Over time, it evolved into 'croaky' to describe the rough or harsh quality of someone's voice. The use of 'croaky' to refer to a voice with a rough texture has been prevalent in English language usage since the late 19th century.