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The answer below is interesting but you may rest assured the expression goes back a lot farther than a late 1970's episode of M*A*S*H. In fact the show writers may have been trying to tell us that the expression was around in the early 50's when the show is set. I don't know for sure about that but definitely an older expression.
: I'm far from certain it's the original source, but the earliest use of the "world's smallest violin" phrase I am aware of is in an episode from the sixth season of the American sitcom "M*A*S*H." : The episode, "Your Hit Parade," first aired on January 4, 1978. In it, Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III (David Ogden Stiers) complains to Maj. Margaret Houlihan (Loretta Swit) that Winchester has been displaced from his tent, "The Swamp," by cots full of post-operative wounded soldiers. Showing Winchester her thumb and forefinger rubbing together, Houlihan responds: "Charles, do you know what this is? It's the world's smallest violin, and it's playing just for you." : It's hardly definitive, but it seems at least possible to me that that gag (and/or the finger part of it) was created by Ronny Graham, the screenwriter for "Your Hit Parade."
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoI think its like a sarcastic way of saying you have sympathy... because you know in old movies when there is violin music and its a tragic part? and the SMALLEST violin is because you cant hear it.
Wiki User
∙ 16y agoPlaying a violin is not an expression- it is a study of the art- that uses valuable time from the strength,body, and mind.
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What is the disturbed song that starts with a violin playing?
Do you mean Darkness? it has a violin. That's the only one i know of.
What does violin one mean?
Probably the first violin section or the first violin in an ensemble. Different pieces of music require different numbers of violin parts, all playing different notes.
What does a decrescendo sign mean?
It means when your playing an instrument you start loud then get soft. I play the violin..
What is the italic word for playing violin by hand?
All violins are played by hand. However, if you mean what is the Italian word for plucking the violin strings rather than using the bow, it is pizzicato.
Why does the violin have the highest pitch?
I assume you mean, highest of the string family. It is the smallest of the 4 orchestral stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello, and double bass), and is therefore able to produce the highest-pitched sounds. The shorter the string which is made to vibrate, the higher its sound.
Where is the smallest horse in the world?
Well the worlds smallest horse breed is a falabella but i don't know what you mean by where?
What is the disturbed song that starts with a violin playing?
Do you mean Darkness? it has a violin. That's the only one i know of.
What does violin one mean?
Probably the first violin section or the first violin in an ensemble. Different pieces of music require different numbers of violin parts, all playing different notes.
Worlds smallest violen mean?
a violen is went you sing and you use that for it could give you cool song
What does a decrescendo sign mean?
It means when your playing an instrument you start loud then get soft. I play the violin..
Could someone snooping outside tell the difference between a sound wave for a bass guitar or violin?
You mean could they tell if someone was playing bass or violin? Yes.
What is the italic word for playing violin by hand?
All violins are played by hand. However, if you mean what is the Italian word for plucking the violin strings rather than using the bow, it is pizzicato.
What does it mean when you rub your thumb and finger together to represent playing a small violin?
A sarcastic gesture meant to represent pity.
Does the word violin mean anything?
Yes, it means "violin."
What does arco mean in violin?
"arco" means playing with the bow. so if the song says "arco" you play with the hair of the bow on the string.
How do you do a 2 note on a violin?
I assume you mean a chord. You can do this by placing fingers on both strings that you want to play and playing the strings at the same time.
What are the 6 string instruments in the orchestra?
I think you mean five. Violin I, Violin II, Viola (Violin III) Cello Double Bass.
