Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/mɪk/

Meaning and Usage

The term "mic" is a colloquial abbreviation of the word "microphone," which is a device used to convert sound waves into electrical signals for recording or amplification. It is primarily used in contexts related to music, broadcasting, and speech.

Frequency of use: "Mic" is commonly used in both oral and written conversations, especially in informal contexts such as music discussions and social media. However, "microphone" might be preferred in formal writing.

Example Sentences

1. Could you please pass me the mic during the performance?
   (¿Podrías pasarme el micrófono durante la actuación?)

2. I forgot to bring my mic to the podcast recording.
   (Olvidé traer mi mic a la grabación del podcast.)

3. The singer held the mic close to her mouth while performing.
   (La cantante sostuvo el mic cerca de su boca mientras actuaba.)

Idiomatic Expressions Involving "Mic"

Although "mic" itself isn't commonly used in many idiomatic expressions, it is often found in phrases related to speaking or recording. Here are some contextually relevant expressions:

1. Drop the mic – This phrase is used to signify that someone has made a definitive statement or performance that couldn’t be topped.

2. After delivering his final punchline, he dropped the mic and walked off the stage.
   (Después de dar su última broma, dejó caer el mic y se fue del escenario.)

3. Pass the mic – This implies handing over the opportunity to speak or sing to someone else.

4. During the open mic night, I decided to pass the mic to a younger artist.
   (Durante la noche de micrófono abierto, decidí pasar el mic a un artista más joven.)

5. On the mic – This means someone is currently speaking or performing through a microphone.

6. She was on the mic when the crowd erupted into applause.
   (Ella estaba en el mic cuando la multitud estalló en aplausos.)

7. In the mic (or "into the mic") – Referring to speaking directly or clearly into a microphone.

8. Make sure you’re speaking into the mic so everyone can hear you.
   (Asegúrate de hablar al mic para que todos puedan escucharte.)

9. Give me the mic – A phrase used to ask for the opportunity to speak or perform.

10. When it was her turn, she confidently said, “Give me the mic!”
    (Cuando fue su turno, ella dijo con confianza: “¡Dame el mic!”)

Etymology

The term "mic" is derived from "microphone," which comes from the Greek words "micro-" meaning "small" and "phone" meaning "voice" or "sound." The word "microphone" first appeared in the late 19th century, while "mic" as an abbreviation became popular in the latter half of the 20th century alongside advancements in audio technology.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Microphone - Recorder (in certain contexts)

Antonyms: - None directly applicable, as "mic" is a specific term for a device. However, in a broader context: - Soundproofing (if referring to avoiding sound capture)