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Glite Dictionary
ivory-pounder

ivory-pounder

9.9
A skilled piano player who often plays classical music
  • noun
  • /ˈaɪvəri ˈpaʊndər/
  • Informal
translation icon : pianista
  • The young ivory-pounder wowed the audience with her technical brilliance.

Examples

  • She is an incredible ivory-pounder with a passion for Chopin.

  • Many ivory-pounders perform at prestigious concert halls.

  • Many jazz clubs have featured a resident ivory-pounder to entertain their guests.

  • Though self-taught, he soon became the most talented ivory-pounder in the city.

  • The young ivory-pounder wowed the audience with her technical brilliance.

  • Many jazz clubs have featured a resident ivory-pounder to entertain their guests.

  • Many ivory-pounders perform at prestigious concert halls.

Synonyms

pianist
vsivory-pounder
84 2.6

A person who plays the piano, often as a job or with great skill

is an informal, slang label used for skilled performers tied to classical music
piano player
vsivory-pounder
22 2.3

A person who plays the piano

is more informal and mainly refers to classically trained musicians
ivory-thumper
vsivory-pounder
  • Slang
9.9

A pianist who often plays with energy and style in jazz

is more informal and points to classically oriented, skillful musicians

How Skilled

maestro
64 7.6
virtuoso
12 8.0
ivory-pounder
  • Informal
9.9
pianist
84 2.6
piano player
22 2.3

Surface Forms

ivory-pounder singular
ivory-pounders plural

Morphology

ivory-pounder = ivory + pounder (semi-transparent) = ivory + pound + er

The components 'ivory' (piano keys) and 'pounder' (one who pounds) are clear, but the slang/metaphorical extension to 'pianist' requires cultural knowledge.

Etymology

The word ivory-pounder comes from ivory, the hard white material once used for piano keys, and pounder, someone who 'pounds' or hits. So an ivory-pounder is a playful name for a pianist, suggesting someone who strikes the keys with power and skill.