Mouthpiece Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐บ
mouthpiece
[หmaสฮธหpiหs ]
Definitions
musical instrument
A mouthpiece is a part of a musical instrument, such as a trumpet or saxophone, that the musician blows into in order to produce sound.
Examples of usage
- The trumpet player carefully selected a new mouthpiece for his instrument.
- She cleaned her saxophone mouthpiece after every performance.
person speaking on behalf of another
A mouthpiece can also refer to a person who speaks on behalf of another, especially in a legal or political context.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mouthpiece |
Typically used to describe a person who speaks on behalf of someone else, often with a negative connotation suggesting they have little personal opinion and fully echo the views of the person they represent.
|
| spokesperson |
Commonly used to refer to someone who speaks on behalf of a group or organization, especially in media and public relations contexts.
|
| representative |
Generally used in a professional context to describe someone who speaks or acts on behalf of others officially, often in organizations, companies, or government.
|
Examples of usage
- The lawyer acted as a mouthpiece for the defendant during the trial.
- The spokesperson served as the company's mouthpiece in the press conference.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Music
- Brass instruments like trumpets and saxophones have specific mouthpieces that affect sound quality and tone.
- In music, a mouthpiece can also refer to a part of a woodwind instrument, essential for producing sound.
Communication
- In politics, a mouthpiece often refers to a spokesperson who conveys a message or policy on behalf of a leader or organization.
- The term is sometimes used negatively to describe someone who merely repeats another's opinions without original thought.
Technology
- Modern communication devices might include 'mouthpiece' as slang for smartphones or headsets that connect users verbally.
- Voice recognition technology often utilizes various mouthpiece designs to capture clearer audio input for better understanding.
Art and Culture
- In literature, characters often serve as mouthpieces for the author's opinions, reflecting societal themes or critiques.
- Mouthpiece can also refer to artists who express the thoughts or struggles of a marginalized community through their work.
Origin of 'mouthpiece'
Main points about word origin
- The word has roots in Old English, where 'mลซรพ' means 'mouth' and 'pฤซece' refers to a part or piece.
- It first appeared in English texts around the 14th century to describe parts of wind instruments.
The word 'mouthpiece' originated in the early 17th century, combining 'mouth' and 'piece'. It initially referred to the part of a musical instrument that is put into or near the mouth to produce sound. Over time, it also came to be used figuratively to describe a person who speaks on behalf of another. The term has evolved to encompass various contexts, including legal, political, and media representation.
See also: badmouth, mouth, mouthful, mouthparts, mouthwater, mouthwatering.