Tinny

The adjective 'tinny' describes a sound quality that is thin, weak, and often metallic, reminiscent of the sound produced by a tin can being struck. It suggests a lack of resonance, depth, and fullness, resulting in a somewhat unpleasant or unsatisfying auditory experience. This characteristic often arises from poor sound reproduction, cheap materials, or the specific acoustic properties of an enclosed space. The term can apply to a wide variety of sounds, including voices, musical instruments, and electronic devices, indicating an inherent flaw in the sound's quality. Essentially, 'tinny' signifies an inferior or underdeveloped sonic output, lacking the richness and clarity that one would desire.

Tinny meaning with examples

• The cheap portable radio emitted a tinny sound, making it difficult to enjoy the music. The speakers produced a faint, distant tone, lacking any bass. The thinness of the sound rendered the melody practically indistinguishable from noise. Every word in the song was barely audible, making the listening experience quite frustrating.
• During the phone call, his voice sounded tinny and distorted, as if the connection were poor. The speaker produced a strange, slightly metallic echo. The electronic feedback amplified the already-weak sounds making it unbearable. I could barely understand anything he said due to the poor call quality.
• The old gramophone played a tinny recording of a classical piece. The sound lacked any depth or warmth. The music from the scratchy record resembled something from a cheap toy. This low-quality audio diminished the grandeur of the piece making it unpleasant to hear.
• The auditorium's acoustics resulted in a tinny effect on the choir's performance. The sound bounced off the hard surfaces, creating a hollow echo. The vocal sounds were thin, lacking the resonance needed to fill the space. The overall effect made the choral piece sound almost completely out of key.