twang

Meanings

1. The sharp, quick sound of a vibrating tight string, for example, of a bow or a musical instrument.
2. A particular sharp vibrating sound characteristic of electric guitars.
3. A trace of a regional or foreign accent in someone's voice.
4. The sound quality that appears in the human voice when the epilaryngeal tube is narrowed.
5. A sharp, pungent taste or flavor; sometimes, a disagreeable one specifically.
6. An annoying or stupid person; especially, a recalcitrant.

1. To produce or cause to produce a sharp vibrating sound, like a tense string pulled and suddenly let go.
2. To have a nasal sound.
3. To have a trace of a regional or foreign accent.
4. To play a stringed musical instrument by plucking and snapping.

Etymology

Onomatopoeic. Compare Middle English twengen (“to pinch, tweak”) (whence modern English twinge), from Old English twenġan (“to pinch, twinge”); Middle English twingen (“to afflict, torment, oppress”), from Old Norse þvinga (“to weigh down, oppress”); Old English twingan (“to force, press”).