kazoo

[ kuh-zoo ]

noun

, plural ka·zoos.

1. Also called mirliton. a musical toy consisting of a tube that is open at both ends and has a hole in the side covered with parchment or membrane, which produces a buzzing sound when the performer hums into one end.
2. Slang.
   1. the buttocks.
   2. the anus.

kazoo

/ kəˈzuː /

noun

1. a cigar-shaped musical instrument of metal or plastic with a membranous diaphragm of thin paper that vibrates with a nasal sound when the player hums into it

Word History and Origins

Origin of kazoo¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; 1965–70 kazoo fordef 2; origin uncertain; alleged to be imitative; wazoo ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of kazoo¹

C20: probably imitative of the sound produced

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. pain in the kazoo, Slang. pain ( def 5 ):

   Organizing the family reunion was a big pain in the kazoo.

2. up / out the kazoo, Slang. wazoo ( def 3 ):

   We pay taxes up the kazoo, but the streets are still full of potholes and trash collection comes late.

Example Sentences

When you order a picnic kit at 14th Street sub shop Compliments Only, there’s a kazoo thrown in along with plates and napkins.

From Washington Post

You might be brought up by parents who are wonderful musicians, but you decide that you never even want to touch a kazoo.

From Nautilus

It’s also why the hold music tends to sound like an all-chimp kazoo band.

From Washington Post

There was a moment in the show when Culkin did a kazoo solo on “Take a Bite of the Wild Slice.”

From The Daily Beast

Somewhere in the bushes, someone began to play a kazoo, adding the final touch of melancholy and heartbreak to the music.

From Project Gutenberg

"There's a kazoo for everyone, too," said Shaw, as the outstretched hands were equipped with wedding ammunition.

From Project Gutenberg

The Sand Piper marched ahead, playing on a tuneful instrument known as a kazoo.

From Project Gutenberg