To have a husky voice
Meaning
To possess a deep, slightly rough, or pleasantly hoarse vocal quality, often perceived as attractive or distinctive.
Origin
The term 'husky' originally barked its way into the English language referring to a breed of dog, known for their powerful build and distinctive, often deep, vocalizations. By the turn of the 20th century, this descriptor stretched beyond the canine world to characterize anything robust or strong, including a person's physique. It was then that the word found its voice, so to speak, in describing a particular vocal quality. A 'husky voice' came to mean a sound that was deep, slightly rough, or pleasantly hoarse—a captivating tone reminiscent of the dog's rugged strength, often imbued with a hint of mystery or allure, especially in the realms of entertainment and romance.
Examples
- After performing three concerts in a row, the singer developed a husky voice.
- Many find that a husky voice adds a certain allure and mystery to a person's speaking style.