To have a rough voice
Meaning
To possess a voice that sounds hoarse, raspy, or deep and unrefined, often due to strain, illness, or natural timbre.
Origin
The phrase "to have a rough voice" is a marvel of descriptive clarity, needing no convoluted historical journey to explain its impact. Its roots are anchored in the tactile experience of "roughness," a sensation we understand from materials like sandpaper or unpolished wood—uneven, abrasive, lacking smoothness. When applied to the voice, this vivid analogy instantly conveys an auditory texture that is similarly uneven, perhaps strained, overused, or naturally deep and unrefined. It evokes a sound that might recall the growl of an old engine or the raw call of a wild animal, contrasting sharply with the clear, fluid notes of a musical instrument. This direct, evocative comparison has been a staple in the English language for centuries, allowing us to articulate a common human experience with immediate, powerful imagery.
Examples
- After shouting over the music at the concert all night, he woke up the next morning to have a rough voice.
- The old sea captain was known to have a rough voice, weathered by years of bellowing commands against the ocean winds.