How to Pronounce "tar and feather"
expression
ˈtɑɹ/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈfɛðɝ
TAR and FEH-thur
tˈɑː/ /ˈænd/ /fˈɛðɐ
TAA and FEH-thuh
Definition
An old form of public punishment where someone is covered with hot tar and then feathers. Now, it's also used figuratively to mean harshly punishing or humiliating someone in public.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈtɑɹ/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈfɛðɝ
British English
tˈɑː/ /ˈænd/ /fˈɛðɐ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
TAR and FEH-thur
UK
TAA and FEH-thuh
Listen in Context
In history, people would tar and feather criminals as punishment.
Now people use 'tar and feather' to mean someone is publicly embarrassed.
The angry crowd wanted to tar and feather the politician.
If you forget your friend's birthday again, they'll probably want to tar and feather you.