sliphorn in music meaning | TheMusicDictionary

Meaning of Sliphorn in Music

The term "sliphorn" is a slang term used to refer to the trombone in music. It is derived from the combination of the words "slide" and "horn," which are both characteristic features of the instrument. The trombone is a brass instrument that is played by extending or retracting the slide to change the pitch. The term "sliphorn" is often used informally and is not commonly found in formal music terminology or dictionaries.

The association of the term "sliphorn" with the trombone can be traced back to the early 20th century when the trombone glissando (a continuous slide from one pitch to another) became strongly associated with music that was part of minstrel shows. These shows featured caricatures of African Americans and used racial stereotypes as a marketing tool. The trombone glissando was often used in this context to reinforce these stereotypes.

It's important to note that while "sliphorn" is a colloquial term for the trombone, it is not widely used in formal music settings. In formal contexts, the instrument is referred to as the trombone

A slang term for the trombone that was popular in the late 19th and early part of the 20th century, primarily with jazz music and musicians. The name is derived from the "slippery" connotation of the trombone slide.