Crooning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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crooning
[ˈkruːnɪŋ ]
Definition
singing softly
To sing or speak in a soft, low, soothing voice, especially in a sentimental manner.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crooning |
Crooning is often used to describe someone singing in a soothing, sentimental, and smooth manner, especially popular in jazz or pop music.
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| murmur |
Murmur refers to speaking or singing in a low and indistinct manner, often almost whispering. It can also describe soft, gentle background sounds.
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| hum |
Hum is when someone sings with their mouth closed, producing a continuous, soft sound. It can be used in casual, everyday settings.
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| warble |
Warble is used to describe a quavering or trilling sound in singing, often associated with birds or people who have a high, trembling pitch in their voice.
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Examples of usage
- He was crooning a lullaby to his baby daughter.
- The old man sat on the porch, crooning to his pet cat.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Music History
- The style became particularly associated with artists like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, who often sang romantic ballads.
- Crooning marked a shift in vocal techniques, moving away from belting and towards a more intimate sound.
- Radiophones helped popularize crooning by bringing softer voices directly into people's homes, creating a personal connection.
Cultural Impact
- The crooning technique influenced the development of soft rock and pop genres in subsequent decades.
- It has been immortalized in films and literature, often representing romance and nostalgia.
- Contemporary artists continue to use this technique, blending it with modern genres to evoke emotions.
Psychology
- Studies show that soft, melodic singing can have calming effects on listeners, often used in therapy settings.
- Crooning may evoke feelings of comfort or nostalgia, as it often reminds listeners of intimate moments or loved ones.
- The soothing nature of crooning can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and trust.
Literature
- Crooning appears in various literary works, often symbolizing the expression of deep emotions and intimacy.
- Authors use the imagery of soft singing to evoke tranquility and serenity in their narratives.
- Poetry and songs often elevate the act of crooning to an art form, tapping into its emotive power.
Origin of 'crooning'
Main points about word origin
- The term originated around the 19th century as a way to describe a soft, gentle style of singing.
- It is believed to have derived from the Scottish word 'croon,' which means to hum or sing softly.
- The use of the word became popular with the rise of the American crooners in the 1920s and 1930s, changing the music scene significantly.
The word 'crooning' originated in the early 20th century in the United States. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word 'crune', meaning to bellow or utter a low sound. Over time, 'crooning' came to specifically refer to singing softly and melodically. The style of crooning became popular in the 1920s and 1930s with artists like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, and has remained a beloved vocal technique in popular music.