ethel merman
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Definition
- Proper noun:
- Ethel Merman: A stage name referring to a specific, famous American singer and actress known for her powerful voice and leading roles in Broadway musical comedies during the 20th century. This is a proper noun identifying a unique individual.
Usage
- The word Ethel Merman is used exclusively as a proper noun to refer to the person. It is not used with articles ('a', 'the') when referring to the individual herself.
- Example:
Examples
- Proper noun:
- Ethel Merman starred in "Annie Get Your Gun."
- Her performance is often compared to that of Ethel Merman.
- The biography details the life of Ethel Merman.
Advanced Usage
- The name can be used attributively to describe a style or quality reminiscent of her.
- She has an Ethel Merman-like belt. (Meaning: a powerful singing voice similar to hers.)
- Used in cultural references to symbolize Broadway or a particular era of musical theater.
- That old theater has seen everyone from Ethel Merman to modern stars.
Variants and Related Words
- Merman: While this is part of her stage surname, it is also a common noun (merman = a mythical male mermaid). They are distinct and not used interchangeably.
- The Merman Legacy: Refers to her enduring influence in theater.
Synonyms
- There are no true synonyms for a proper name. Contextual references include:
- The First Lady of Broadway: A common honorary title for Ethel Merman.
- A Broadway legend: A descriptive phrase that could include her.
Related Phrases
- To belt like Merman: An informal phrase meaning to sing with a very loud, powerful, and clear chest voice, characteristic of her style.
- The singer didn't just sing the number; she belted it like Merman.
Related Idioms
- No specific idioms are formed from the name Ethel Merman. The name itself is a cultural reference point within idioms about performance, e.g., "having pipes like Ethel Merman" means possessing an exceptionally strong singing voice.
Noun
- United States singer who appeared in several musical comedies (1909-1984)