Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun music A genre of Germanic music (especially Bavarian music) typically involving brass instruments.
  • noun music A bass line characteristic of such music, a bass that alternates lower and higher notes or chords on the beat, or that alternates in a mid-high-low-high sequence.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Some truly desperate oom-pah music from Bavaria was even played over the public address before kick-off, although Sarries did draw the line at wearing Lederhosen.

    Leicester turn air blue against Saracens in rage at referee exchange Robert Kitson at Vicarage Road 2010

  • • Homophone corner, in an exchange of views on the Eurovision song contest, past and present: It's so goddamned white, it's so goddamned oom-pah.

    Corrections and clarifications 2011

  • While plenty could go wrong, and a backlash is still possible, one thing is clear: There is little danger of being labeled effete in the home of Oktoberfest and oom-pah bands.

    As German as … America - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com 2008

  • While plenty could go wrong, and a backlash is still possible, one thing is clear: There is little danger of being labeled effete in the home of Oktoberfest and oom-pah bands.

    As German as … America - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com 2008

  • There's the slightly suaver side of Max Greger on the 4-song EP available at Yayo Salva Musical...followed by oom-pah Max backing a yodelin' Master mistress?

    Archive 2009-05-01 baikinange 2009

  • As many as 45 volunteers, aged 14 to 80, bring instruments and perform "oom-pah," Broadway and Queen songs as families march around the gazebo.

    The Low-Key Appeal of Obama's Vacation Spot Robert Reid 2009

  • The accordion propels them, the joyous oom-pah that is the heart of Tejano music.

    Born On The Border 2008

  • Their music sounded like a cross between Bavarian oom-pah and a mariachi band, but in a good way.

    Life is a cabaret ... neil h 2006

  • Next to the Virgin Mary statue in front of the church, an oom-pah band in silly red, white, and green hats blasted out "Zooma Zooma" as a woman 'of a certain age', just a visitor herself, boldly danced around the courtyard.

    Archive 2006-09-01 tannaz 2006

  • Next to the Virgin Mary statue in front of the church, an oom-pah band in silly red, white, and green hats blasted out "Zooma Zooma" as a woman 'of a certain age', just a visitor herself, boldly danced around the courtyard.

    Two Kinds of Italy on the Lower East Side tannaz 2006

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