[Ads-l] Antedating of "Tin Ear" (OED, = oral insensitivity, 1935)

[Bill Mullins]

(should be "aural insensitivity" in subject line)



1911 Variety 23 Dec 24/3 [proquest]

Another remarkable thing is the number of people afflicted with "tin ears" (hard of hearing); stiff limbs; must have an aisle seat; bad eye sight must be in the first row.  The "tin ear" and "bad eye sight" delegations are especially noticeable during the run of a musical show with a large chorus.



1913 Variety 21 Feb 42/2 [proquest]

Just heard the editor plays piano with one finger and has a tin ear.


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