mummer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mummer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a performer, particularly in a traditional or folk context, often associated with theatrical performances or masquerades. Example: "The mummer entertained the crowd with a lively performance during the festival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The Thracians were eventually expelled or absorbed by Greek, Persian, and Roman colonies, but traces of their culture remain in their monuments devoted to horse worship and in the mummer (Bulgarian: kuker) tradition that still survives in southwestern Bulgaria.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the theatre, he bullies a bad actor off the stage, throwing money, as well as epithets, after the inept mummer.

The New Yorker

A kin slayer and fugitive, Tyrion assumes manifold roles in "Dragons": mummer, soldier, paymaster, slave, river rat and captive.

The New York Times - Books

George Devine was a third-rate mummer who couldn't act for toffee.

The Guardian - Film

The heavy swaying of the main mummer is meant to represent wheat heavy with grain, and the bells tied around the waist are intended to drive away the evil spirits and the sickness.

The Guardian

A member of Bellowhead (oboe, cor anglais, violin, vox) and another bloke (accordion) tackle a mummer's dozen (eight) songs that pertain in some way or other to the frigid season.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Mumming play, also called mummers' play, traditional dramatic entertainment, still performed in a few villages in England and Northern Ireland, in which a champion is killed in a fight and is then brought to life by a doctor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The plays are closely related to the English mummers plays and parallel the Greek folk play in Thrace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, the puppets have an affinity with the stock characters of ancient Greek and Roman drama, with the masked characters of the Renaissance commedia dell'arte, with the circus clown, with the ballerina, with the mummers, and with the witch doctor and the priest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mummers were originally bands of masked persons who during winter festivals in Europe paraded the streets and entered houses to dance or play dice in silence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There were jousts and mummers, and on the last day, Sunday, June 24, sections of the mass were sung alternately in French and English.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about cultural traditions, use "mummer" to add specific historical or regional context, such as describing participants in a mummer's parade or play.

Common error

Avoid using "mummer" as a general term for any performer. It specifically refers to someone in disguise, often within a traditional or folk context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mummer" is as a noun, referring to a person who is part of a traditional masked or costumed performance. As Ludwig AI states, the word is correctly and usably in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mummer" functions as a noun denoting a costumed or masked performer, often within traditional folk celebrations. Ludwig AI confirms the word's grammatical correctness and usability. The term finds frequent usage in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. While grammatically sound, using "mummer" accurately requires awareness of its specific cultural and historical connotations, avoiding overgeneralization. The analyzed sources show that "mummer" is useful for describing the participants in parades, traditional folk plays, and seasonal festivals, such as the Mummer's Parade in Philadelphia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

masquerader

Focuses on the act of wearing a mask or disguise.

mime artist

Highlights the use of gestures and expressions without speech.

pantomime actor

Emphasizes performance in a specific theatrical form.

costumed performer

Highlights the presence of a costume.

festival participant

Broadens the context to include anyone taking part in a festival.

parade participant

Refers to someone involved in a parade, often in costume.

masked dancer

Combines the elements of disguise and dance.

street performer

Highlights performance in a public space.

folk actor

Emphasizes the traditional or folkloric aspect of the performance.

traditional entertainer

Focuses on entertainment rooted in cultural heritage.

FAQs

How to use "mummer" in a sentence?

You can use "mummer" to describe a person who dons a disguising costume for a parade or festival. For example: "The "mummer" entertained the crowd with a lively performance during the festival".

What can I say instead of "mummer"?

You can use alternatives like "masquerader", "mime artist", or "costumed performer" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "mummer" and "actor"?

"Mummer" specifically implies a disguised performer, often in traditional celebrations. "Actor" is a general term for someone who performs in a play, movie, or television show.

Where does the term "mummer" come from?

The term "mummer" is derived from traditional folk customs, particularly in Europe, where masked figures would parade during winter festivals.