ORGAN GRINDER Meaning and
Definition
-
An organ grinder refers to a person or performer who operates a mechanical musical instrument called an organ grinder, typically seen as consisting of a portable barrel organ. This musical contraption features several pipes producing music while operated by a hand-crank. The term "organ grinder" is derived from the act of grinding the instrument's handle, which creates the necessary rotation for the device to produce sound.
Historically, organ grinders were a common sight in public areas, notably in urban environments, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They would often be seen on street corners or in busy marketplaces, providing entertainment and attracting attention from passersby. The organ grinders were usually accompanied by a monkey who would be trained to collect monetary offerings from the audience.
The organ grinder profession involved mastering the manipulation of the organ's crank and making coordinated movements to create harmonious tunes that would attract listeners. This occupation required technical skill, endurance, and artistic interpretation. Organ grinders were regarded as precursors to modern-day street musicians and buskers, as they relied on their musical talent to earn a living.
While the practice of organ grinding has significantly diminished over time, the term "organ grinder" is still occasionally used colloquially to refer to someone who repetitively performs a task, usually without much variation or deviation. This usage conveys the idea of someone who engages in mundane or repetitive labor, similar to the continuous grinding motion required to operate the mechanical instrument.
Common Misspellings for ORGAN GRINDER
- irgan grinder
- krgan grinder
- lrgan grinder
- prgan grinder
- 0rgan grinder
- 9rgan grinder
- oegan grinder
- odgan grinder
- ofgan grinder
- otgan grinder
- o5gan grinder
- o4gan grinder
- orfan grinder
- orvan grinder
- orban grinder
- orhan grinder
- oryan grinder
- ortan grinder
- orgzn grinder
- orgsn grinder
Etymology of ORGAN GRINDER
The term "organ grinder" is derived from the profession of individuals who played the organ grinder, a portable mechanical musical instrument called a barrel organ or street organ. These musicians would typically be found in public places such as streets and squares, turning a crank to operate the instrument. The name "organ grinder" dates back to the 18th century, and it originates from the English words "organ" (referring to the musical instrument) and "grinder" (referring to the act of turning the crank).
Idioms with the word ORGAN GRINDER
-
organ grinder's monkey
The idiom "organ grinder's monkey" refers to a person who is manipulated or controlled by someone else and used to do their bidding or carry out their dirty work. It may also suggest someone who is treated as a mere tool or pawn in someone else's scheme.
-
the organ grinder's monkey
A person who is controlled or manipulated by someone else; a subordinate or assistant who does the bidding of a more powerful individual.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
