Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A surname of English origin: "Waller" is primarily used as a last name.
   • Thomas "Fats" Waller (1904-1943): An influential American jazz pianist, organist, composer, singer, and comedic entertainer. This is the most common specific reference for the word.

Usage

• The word "Waller" is almost exclusively used as a proper noun to refer to a person with that surname or, most notably, to the specific individual Thomas "Fats" Waller.
• It is not used as a common noun (e.g., it does not mean "one who builds walls").

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Fats Waller was famous for his stride piano style and humorous vocals.
  • The historian Edmund Waller wrote about the 17th century.
  • My new neighbor is named Jane Waller.

Advanced Usage

• "Waller" in cultural context: When used without a first name in discussions of jazz history, "Waller" is universally understood to refer to Fats Waller.
  • Waller's version of "Ain't Misbehavin'" is a classic.

Variants and Related Words

• There are no direct grammatical variants (like "wallers" as a verb). It is a fixed proper noun.

Synonyms

• As a surname, there are no true synonyms. In the specific context of the musician, one could use his full name or nickname.
  • Thomas Waller
  • Fats Waller

Related Phrases

• "Fats" Waller: The standard and expected way to refer to the musician, using his nickname.
• Waller surname: A phrase used in genealogical contexts.

Related Idioms

• There are no idioms specifically incorporating the word "Waller."

Noun

1. United States jazz musician (1904-1943)