shave and a haircut
Barber's classic combo
Shave and a haircut is a seven-note musical phrase, usually followed by the response "two bits." The rhythmic pattern—da-da-da-DA-da, DA-DA—serves as a knock, doorbell code, or comedic punctuation.
The full call-and-response appears in vaudeville, cartoons, and as a playful way to signal arrival: He rapped out shave and a haircut on the door.
- barberProfessional who trims locks
- barbershop quartetFour-voice a cappella ensemble
- razorBlade for removing hair
- straight razorFolding blade for shaving
- hot towelWarmed damp fabric
knock · secret knock · scissors · comb · stubble · door · trim · signal · call and response · tap · two bits · cartoon · jingle · rhythm · vaudeville · old timey · cadence · tune