spoon n usu pl. Phr play the spoons: to create a rhythmic sound using two spoons held back to back in one hand, their clicking effect sometimes providing accompaniment to a song and, with virtuoso performers, involving intricate physical adroitness.
M 69-5 Then he fetched two table spoons from the pantry, came back into the porch, sat up on a chair, crossed his legs, and began 'playing the spoons' and singing a song. 1980 COX 159 [Harry Mercer] plays other instruments as well as the guitar; the mouth organ, the saw and the spoons. He plays the spoons expertly and uses his shoulders, his back and his knees in playing them, much to the amusement of the children. 1985 Evening Telegram 24 Dec, p. 3 Today as in the past, [mummers] bring along an accordian, guitar, spoons or a harmonica. P 305-89 We drank the beer until seven o'clock (laugh), playin' the spoons--next thing, jigs and reels.
