Bronx cheer (brongks cheer) noun

1. A rude sound indicating disapproval, made by sticking tongue partly out between the lips and blowing air out, in a simulation of flatulence.

2. Any expression of derision or contempt.

[Probably after Bronx, NY, the home of Yankee Stadium, where Yankees fans often expressed their opinion of the umpire's decision or an unfavorable play that way.]

Bronx cheer has a rather unusual synonym: raspberry. How in the world could a sound like that come to be known as a raspberry? To learn this we take a peek at the fascinating working of rhyming slang. "Raspberry tart" was used as a code for "fart" and then the rhyming part was dropped. Other examples of rhyming slang are "butchers" for "look", as in "Take a butchers at this!" (from butcher's hook); "apples" for "stairs" (from apples and pears); china for mate (from china plate). Best-known rhyming slang was used by generations of London Cockneys, but similar rhyming slang is found in many other parts of the world. -Anu

"Travis also notes in the Post that, contrary to UK reports, Tom Cruise will go to next week's Academy Awards with Penelope Cruz. `I think it's very gutsy of him because the Oscars will be crawling with Aussies and they might give Tom the Oz equivalent of a Bronx cheer because he's a bit unpopular with them for dumping Australia's sainted Nicole,' the Kiwi-born columnist waxes. Sainted?" Peter Holder, et al; Sydney Confidential; The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, Australia); Mar 18, 2002.

"It wasn't a unanimous Bronx cheer. Many fans stood and applauded for Martinez. Years of excellence outweigh one bad game. Still, it was an out-of-body experience to hear any boos for Pedro on Opening Night at Fenway Park." Dan Shaughnessy; Voices of Fans Are Heard; Boston Globe; Apr 13, 2003.

This week's theme: toponyms (words derived from place names). [