What is the meaning and origin of ‘tin ear’? (Rajesh Das, Cuttack)
The expression is mostly used in informal contexts to suggest disapproval. When you say that an individual has a ‘tin ear’, you mean that the person does not have a good or sensitive ear as far as music is concerned - being tone deaf, this individual fails to appreciate the finer things in life – music, poetry, etc. The person may also have problems picking up on the tone someone uses when speaking. He may, for example, fail to understand that someone is being sarcastic and not literal - very much like Sheldon in ‘The Big Bang Theory’.
Ram’s father was a great musician. But poor Ram has a tin ear.
His descriptions are fantastic. When it comes to writing dialogue, however, he has a tin ear.
People who are hard of hearing can today buy a hearing aid and slip it into their ear - others won’t be able to see it. This was not the case in 18th century Europe. In the 17th and 18th centuries, people who were hard of hearing, made use of the collapsible ‘ear trumpet’ which was nearly 20 inches long. The instrument, shaped like a trumpet, was made out of tin - hence, those who made use of it were called ‘tin ear’. The legendary composer Ludwig van Beethoven made use of it during his lifetime.
How is the word ‘sycophant’ pronounced? (K.S. Seetha, Hyderabad)
Many of us in India pronounce the first syllable like the ‘psy’ in ‘psychology’ and ‘psychic’. Native speakers of English, however, pronounce the ‘syc’ like the word ‘sick’. The following vowel is like the ‘a’ in ‘china’, while the final syllable rhymes with ‘pant’, ‘chant’ and ‘rant’. The word is pronounced ‘SICK-e-fant’, with the stress on the first syllable. It comes from the Greek ‘sukophantes’, meaning ‘informer’. The original ‘sycophant’ was someone who informed the authorities about the illegal activities being carried out by others - today, there are several terms to refer to such a person - snitch, stooge, rat, etc. Over time, the meaning of the word gradually underwent a change in meaning. From someone who pleased authorities by informing on others, today, it means someone who chooses to please the rich and the powerful through flattery. The individual is a parasite, and does not mean a word he says.
Unlike most politicians, she chose not to surround herself with sycophants.
You’re a fool to expect loyalty from sycophants.
Which is correct? I’m an English teacher or I’m a teacher of English? (K. Damodharan, Srirangam)
In terms of grammar, both sentences are acceptable. When someone says he is a teacher of English, what he means is that teaching is his profession, and the subject he teaches is English – there is no ambiguity here. The second sentence - I’m an English teacher - is frequently heard in our country, and it can be interpreted in two different ways. Like the first sentence, it could mean that the person is someone who teaches English. But ‘English teacher’ could also be interpreted to mean that the teacher’s nationality is English - in other words, he is from England. In this case, we have no idea what subject he teaches. In India, most people say ‘English teacher’.
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Published - July 20, 2026 08:00 am IST