The Urban dictionary of Opera

This page is a compilation of opera-related words and nicknames that come up often in (online) discussion but that you’d be hard-pressed to find in a conventional opera glossary.

Buzzwords

Mezzosexual: Someone who is attracted to mezzo-sopranos when they’re playing trouser roles. The term is typically used when this is contrary to the person’s usual sexual orientation.
Barihunk: A hunky baritone. There’s an entire blog devoted to them.
Approximatura: Coloratura of questionable rhythmic or tonal accuracy.
Zwischy: Short for zwischenfach, a term used to describe a female singer who is somewhere between a mezzo and a soprano.
Squealo: Squillo is the metallic, ping-y ‘edge’ on sound, especially favored by tenors. Sometimes it gets too squeal-like.
Hunkentenor: Jonas Kaufmann. Possible also any other devastatingly attractive, dark-voiced tenor.
Parterre: The main US-focused opera gossip site. Lots of good analysis and inside information, plus a terrifyingly opinionated and often-catty group of commentators.
Buttery biscuit baritone: ‘They’re more refined, sophisticated, mature, and subtle than barihunks, but still hot.’