vuvuzelas
Loud plastic horns
Vuvuzelas are plastic horns that produce a loud, droning buzz when blown.
They became internationally notorious during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where stadium crowds created a constant wall of sound that divided opinion—celebratory atmosphere to some, unbearable noise to others.
The vuvuzelas made it impossible to hear the commentators.
Pointed animal headgear
- plasticCapable of being molded
- blowMove air forcefully
- monotoneSingle unvarying pitch
- droneUnmanned flying machine
buzzing · loud · noisemaker · trumpet · mouthpiece · air horn · cheap · colorful
Rainbow nation
- 2010Calendar year designation
- FIFAInternational soccer authority
- soccerField sport with goals
- footballField sport with goals
Johannesburg · controversy · broadcast · television · complaints · iconic · memorable · atmosphere
People who back something
- stadiumLarge venue for spectators
- cheeringVocal encouragement given
- celebrationFestive event marking occasion
- passionIntense emotional drive
noise · rivalry · intimidation · unity · chanting · tribalism · identity · merchandise
Officially disallowed
- annoyingCausing mild irritation
- decibelsAcoustic intensity units
- earplugsInsertable sound blockers
- disruptionForceful interruption of process
debate · complaints · nuisance · regulation · prohibited · criticism · divisive · love-hate
horn
Pointed animal headgear
drone · buzzing · loud · noisemaker · trumpet · mouthpiece · air horn · cheap · colorful · elongated
South Africa
Rainbow nation
football · Johannesburg · controversy · broadcast · television · complaints · iconic · memorable · atmosphere · legacy
supporters
People who back something
- stadiumLarge venue for spectators
- cheeringVocal encouragement given
- celebrationFestive event marking occasion
passion · noise · rivalry · intimidation · unity · chanting · tribalism · identity · merchandise · collectible
banned
Officially disallowed
disruption · debate · complaints · nuisance · regulation · prohibited · criticism · divisive · love-hate · polarizing
vuvuzelaswind chimes
Suspended tubes making tones
birdsong · chamber music · violin · flute · flutes
vuvuzelassilence
Total lack of sound
whispers · ASMR · earplugs · soundproofing · pianissimo