Names for the jaw harp
Names and terminology used for the jaw harp in Czech and around the world.
Jaw harp names — from brumle to Jew's harp
The jaw harp is an instrument with an exceptionally rich range of names. Different languages and traditions use their own terms, often referring to the mouth, the playing technique or a local cultural context.
Origin of the Czech name
The Czech Dictionary of Standard Czech describes the word brumle as a borrowing from German. Older dictionaries record the German Brummeisen and the Czech dialect forms drndačka and grumle. Its resemblance to the Czech verb “brumlat” (to hum) is easy to understand, but is not in itself proof of the word’s origin.
🇨🇿 Czech dialect and regional names
Historical sources and collectors record many forms of the name. Their exact distribution can vary by period and source, so the examples below are not intended as a complete dialect map.
BR- and GR- variants
- brumle
- brumla
- brumlačka
- brumejzla
- grmle
- grumle / grumla
DR-, KR- and other variants
- drmle
- drumble
- drumblička
- drndačka / drnkačka
- kremle / krembala
- bruslička
Word families
For a quick overview, the Czech variants can be grouped by their opening sounds:
brumle, brumla, brumlačka, brumejzla
grmle, grumla, drmle, drumble
kremle, krembala
🌍 Names around the world
| Country or region | Name | Pronunciation / transliteration | Meaning / etymology |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE Germany / Austria | Maultrommel | [maultroml] | “Mouth drum” (Maul = mouth, Trommel = drum) |
| GB English | Jew's harp | [dʒuːz hɑːrp] | Uncertain etymology (see below) |
| FR France | Guimbarde | [gɛ̃baʁd] | Traditionally linked to the older word “guimber” (to leap) |
| IT Italy | Scacciapensieri | [skattʃapenˈsjɛːri] | “Thought chaser” (scaccia = to drive away) |
| RU Russia | Варган (vargan) | [varɡan] | Specialist sources offer different explanations of the name’s origin |
| HU Hungary | Doromb | [doromb] | Possibly related to dörömböl (to rumble or pound) |
| NO Norway | Munnharpe | [mʉnhɑrpə] | “Mouth harp” (munn = mouth, harpe = harp) |
| VN Vietnam | Đàn môi | [ɗàn moj] | “Lip instrument” (đàn = instrument, môi = lip) |
| IN India | Morchang / Murchunga | [mɔrtʃʌŋɡ] | Regional names with several spelling variants |
| Sakha Republic (Yakutia) | Khomus | [khomus] | The Sakha name for the jaw harp; not to be confused with Mongolian khöömei throat singing |
| PH Philippines | Kubing | [kubiŋ] | A traditional name used in the Philippines |
| JP Japan | 口琴 (Koukin) | [koːkin] | “Mouth instrument” (口 = mouth, 琴 = stringed instrument or zither) |
❓ The English names “jaw harp” and “Jew's harp”
The historical English term “Jew's harp” has a long history, but its precise origin has not been reliably established. There is no known direct connection between the instrument and Jewish culture or religion. We therefore use the neutral, descriptive term “jaw harp”.
What the evidence supports:
“Jaw harp” is a modern descriptive term
The term reflects the way the instrument is played at the mouth and jaw. The often-repeated claim that “Jew's harp” is simply a corruption of “jaw's harp” is not established historical fact.
The origin of the historical term remains uncertain
Several explanations appear in the literature, including a proposed connection with the French word jeu. Without conclusive evidence, these explanations should be presented only as hypotheses.
Dictionaries differ on the details
Some etymological dictionaries mention the Dutch jeugdtromp, while others leave the origin open. We therefore do not present any one theory as definitive.
Terms used today
For contemporary international communication, we recommend:
- Jaw harp (a clear, neutral English term)
- Mouth harp (another descriptive term)
- Trump (a historical English term)
- Guimbarde (used in French and organological contexts)
📖 Historical note
Merriam-Webster dates the first known English use of the term “Jew's harp” to the 15th century.
Historical English terms include:
- “Jew's harp”
- “Jew's trump”
- “trump”
🎼 Names and cultural context
Folk music and toys
In Europe, the jaw harp appears both as a folk instrument and as a simple instrument sold to children. This does not make it a separate construction type.
The Sakha tradition
In the Sakha Republic, the khomus is an important traditional instrument. Its cultural role is broader than the single label “shamanic instrument”.
Communication and courtship
In some Southeast Asian cultures, jaw harps also appear in courtship traditions and personal musical communication.
Sources and a note on etymology
The origins of folk names are often uncertain, and dictionaries may offer different explanations. We distinguish documented dictionary evidence from hypotheses.
Explore the jaw harp further
Learn more about the construction, history and types of this fascinating instrument.