1. the naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it
2. the use of words whose sound suggests the sense
Onomatopoeia is also seen in some of your favorite superhero comics, and even in television shows like Tom and Jerry!
Source: //www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onomatopoeia
Source: tx.english-ch.com
Many songs that we know and love contain multiple examples of onomatopoeia. Here is a list of songs. In your spare time, listen to them and see if you can pick out the onomatopoeic words!
~Old McDonald
~Hoedown Throw down- Miley Cyrus
~Firework- Katy Perry
~Boom Boom Pow- Black Eyed Peas
~The Which is Dead- The Munchkins [The Wizard of Oz]
~Sleigh Ride- The Ronettes
~Super Bass- Nicki Minaj
Please take your time to fill out this quick quiz.
A simple hum, a small tune that strikes your mind stays on your lips for that whole day. Working in solitude or doing something creative, whether to pass free time or to surprise someone special, music is there in everything and everywhere. But knowingly or unknowingly, in made-up situational songs or in chart buster numbers, onomatopoeic, or the words that represent a sound, occur more frequently than our recognition.
Shot Me Down by David Guetta ft. Skylar Grey
Originally recorded in the year 1966, the song has seen many versions of itself coming on the floor, recorded by some notable singers like Nancy Sinatra, Cher, and more recently Skylar Grey under the music composition of David Guetta. The song went on to become a massive hit in the course of time, although it was not the same when initially released.
Roar by Katy Perry
Featured on American Pop diva Katy Perry, the video begins in the form of an animated clip with the setting of a jungle and a girl lost over there. With an allegorical underline of how sometimes adverse situations bring the best out of a person, the rendition went out to sell over 9 million copies worldwide and topped the singles charts of many countries.
Super Bass by Nicki Minaj
Known for her colorful and peppy appearance, this strong and independent pop star of Trinidadian origin rose from nothingness to fame, which is but a dream of the countless. ‘Super Bass’ describes the lighthearted romance and acts of love between a young man and woman. This debut album of Minaj secured her position as one of the leading pop and rap stars of the day.
Firework by Katy Perry
With a whopping sales record of over 7 million copies in the United States alone, this album became more of a nerve among the people, especially the young crowd. Eventually, the song ‘Firework’ topped the song charts of many countries, and reserved nominations as well as acclamation for this marvelous artist.
Bumpy Ride by Mohombi
Drenched in the flavor of Caribbean Pop culture, this song took the world on its toll. It projects the young, funny, and casual love between male and female, young adults having a light moment partying and doing a beach hang out. The words show the act of flirtation carrying on among the group. This song topped the charts of many European countries.
Tik Tok by Ke$ha
The song draws inspiration from a personal reminiscence of the artist where she feels ‘like P. Diddy’. A lot of scenes and locations shot are closely associated with her. Following the trend of Electropop, the music and lyricism has won the hearts of millions, especially the young, and has been given platinum rating many times.
Hoedown Throwdown by Miley Cyrus
This Tennessee born teenage pop star was a sensation and still continues to be. This singer/actor has sung many other single hits, sensitizing numbers. But nothing can beat the innocence and quirk of this song. Featured in the movie version of the original Hannah Montana series, it is an instructional song about country dance moves.
Boom Boom Pow by The Black Eyed Peas
After the song ‘I Gotta Feeling’ by the same group, ‘Boom Boom Pow’ is the second song which stood at the first position in Hot 100. With millions of viewers on YouTube and countless downloads, this is still a must-have party song. With enthralling visual effects, light effects, and an electronic sound, this song leaves a lasting effect on the listener.
Tick Tick Boom by The Hives
Appeared frequently in many fast-paced gripping movies like Taken, Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World, Jumper, Thirty Minutes or Less, and sitcoms like Friday Night Nights, the song went on to become a huge hit in the whole of America. The video shows the members of The Hives becoming and acting like statues, and lastly exploding the whole place; the metaphoric meaning, being the end of tolerance and silence towards the atrocities on humankind.
Whoomp! [There It Is] by Tag Team
This song ruled the ’90s, and also stuck to the 2nd position on the Billboard Hot 100 list. Following the cult of Miami Bass, the video can inspire anyone to shake a leg on its thumping and mind-blowing beats. One of the finest examples of songs with onomatopoeia in the lyrics.
The what?? An onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like the sound it is describing.
For example, the Black Eyed Peas’ “Boom Boom Pow.”
Both “boom” and “pow” are onomatopoeias.
A few more examples: Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass”
Can’t you hear that boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom, bass?
and Ke$ha’s “Tik Tok.”
TiK ToK, on the clock…
By the way, “feeling like P-Diddy” is a simile!
"Did you hear that BOOM, BADOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BADOOM, BOOM, BASS!"
These are onomatopoeia because they are sounds.
She is referring to her heart in this line.