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grunt-horn

Jazz slang for the tuba, the lowest-pitched and largest of the brass instruments.

ˈɡɹʌnθɚn149 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 28, 2026

Jazz slang for the tuba, the lowest-pitched and largest of the brass instruments. The name is perfect: tubas grunt, rumble, and blat in exactly the way the nickname implies, providing the deep harmonic foundation under a jazz or brass band arrangement. Grunt-horn is the kind of warm, affectionate insider label that musicians use — it acknowledges both the sound the instrument makes and the slightly unglamorous job it has to do.

The bandleader pointed to the new kid and said they needed someone on grunt-horn — did he want to give it a shot?
Origin: Jazz musicians' slang; 'grunt' refers to the instrument's low, grunting timbre, and 'horn' is general jazz vernacular for any brass or wind instrument. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(jazz, slang) A tuba.

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