Huskiness

Huskiness refers to a rough, raspy, or gravelly quality in the voice. This characteristic can be caused by a variety of factors, including vocal cord strain, inflammation, illness, or even the natural aging process. It can also be a stylistic choice for singers or speakers who aim to project a sense of power, emotion, or authenticity. The degree of huskiness can vary from a slight rasp to a severely strained, almost whispered tone. It is often associated with fatigue, smoking, or excessive use of the voice. It is, overall, the characteristic sound of a strained voice. The degree of huskiness changes drastically, ranging from the slightest alteration of the voice to complete loss of the voice.

Huskiness meaning with examples

• After cheering relentlessly at the football game, Sarah woke up with a noticeable huskiness in her voice, barely able to speak above a whisper. Her throat was sore, but the experience was worth it. That huskiness was a testament to the team’s triumph. The post-game celebration certainly did her throat in for a little while.
• The singer's unique huskiness added a raw, emotional depth to her performance, captivating the audience. This singer’s huskiness set her apart and defined her own genre of singing. The emotional connection the singer was able to create was unmatched. Many music lovers were drawn to the raw emotion that the artist's voice brought out in them.
• The detective's voice, heavy with exhaustion, had a pronounced huskiness as he interrogated the suspect for hours. The fatigue was clearly wearing on him and a sense of truth was made known in his statements. The detective didn't hold anything back in his harsh words and didn't plan to. This helped set up a perfect plan.
• The character in the play, suffering from a cold, spoke with a distinct huskiness, conveying a sense of vulnerability and fragility. The audience immediately felt sympathy for the character’s discomfort, and the actor performed his lines perfectly. His use of tone and articulation made the words so beautiful to hear and feel.