Noise vs. Noice — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on December 24, 2023
Noise refers to any unwanted or unpleasant sound. Noice, often spelled "nice," is a slang expression used to commend or show approval, typically in an enthusiastic or humorous way.
Difference Between Noise and Noice
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Noise is a term used to describe any sound, usually unwanted or disturbing, that interferes with hearing or causes distraction. Noice, on the other hand, is a colloquial and informal way of saying "nice," often used to express excitement, satisfaction, or approval.
Noise can be anything from the sound of traffic to loud music. It is often considered a nuisance and can be a subject of concern in various environments like urban areas, workplaces, and homes. Noice, as a slang term, is used in casual conversation, usually among younger people, and is often seen in social media, text messages, and informal dialogues.
Noise is a term with scientific and technical implications, used in fields like acoustics, engineering, and environmental studies. It can refer to both ambient sounds and specific disturbances. Noice does not have a technical meaning and is purely a part of colloquial speech.
In legal and environmental contexts, noise is a significant concept, with laws and regulations designed to control noise pollution. Noice, being slang, is not used in formal contexts and has no legal or technical relevance.
Noise is a universally understood term, while noice is a relatively recent slang term, more likely to be understood and used by those familiar with modern colloquialisms and internet culture.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Unwanted or disturbing sound
Slang for "nice," expressing approval or excitement
Context
General, technical, legal
Informal, colloquial, youth culture
Usage
Universal, across various fields
Restricted to casual conversation and social media
Implications
Environmental, health, acoustic
Social, expressive, humorous
Formality
Formal and technical term
Informal and slang term
Compare with Definitions
Noise
Unwanted or disturbing sound.
The noise from the construction site was deafening.
Noice
Emphasizing agreement or satisfaction in a casual manner.
They're serving free pizza at the meeting. Noice!
Noise
Noise is unwanted sound considered unpleasant, loud or disruptive to hearing. From a physics standpoint, noise is indistinguishable from desired sound, as both are vibrations through a medium, such as air or water.
Noice
Used humorously to emphasize a positive reaction.
You finished the marathon? Noice!
Noise
General background sounds in an environment.
The noise of the city never seems to stop.
Noice
Slang for expressing enthusiasm or approval, synonymous with nice.
Noice! You got the job!
Noise
Interference in electronic signals.
The recording had too much background noise.
Noice
Often used in youth culture and social media as a playful affirmation.
Just aced my exam! Noice, congrats!
Noise
Sound or signal generated by random fluctuations.
Noice
Used to express excitement or joy in a casual conversation.
I finally beat that level on the game. Noice!
Noise
Technical term in acoustics for unwanted sound.
Engineers use soundproofing materials to reduce noise.
Noice
Noice is a Swedish rock group from Gustavsberg formed in 1977. The band released their debutalbum Tonårsdrömmar in 1979 and had a major breakthrough when they performed two songs on the television show Måndagsbörsen in March 1980.Noice scored successes at the same time as Gyllene Tider.
Noise
Loud or disruptive sounds causing disturbance.
The party next door was making a lot of noise.
Noice
Nice
Noise
A sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance
Making a noise like a pig
What's that rustling noise outside the door?
Noise
Irregular fluctuations that accompany a transmitted electrical signal but are not part of it and tend to obscure it
The enhancer can improve the video signal quality, reducing noise and increasing image sharpness
Noise
Talk about or make known publicly
You've discovered something that should not be noised about
Noise
Make much noise
Rook, crow and jackdaw—noising loud
Noise
Sound or a sound that is loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or undesired.
Noise
Sound or a sound of any kind
The only noise was the wind in the pines.
Noise
A loud outcry or commotion
The noise of the mob.
A lot of noise over the new law.
Noise
(Physics) A disturbance, especially a random and persistent disturbance, that obscures or reduces the clarity of a signal.
Noise
(Computers) Irrelevant or meaningless data.
Noise
A complaint or protest.
Noise
Rumor; talk.
Noise
Noises Remarks or actions intended to convey a specific impression or to attract attention
"The U.S. is making appropriately friendly noises to the new Socialist Government" (Flora Lewis).
Noise
To spread the rumor or report of.
Noise
(uncountable) Various sounds, usually unwanted or unpleasant.
He knew that it was trash day, when the garbage collectors made all the noise.
Noise
Any sound.
The sudden noise made everyone jump.
She crept up behind him not making a noise.
Noise
(technology) Any part of a signal or data that reduces the clarity, precision, or quality of the desired output.
Signal-to-noise ratio
Noise
Unwanted fuss or bustle; useless activity.
Noise
(genetics) The measured level of variation in gene expression among cells, regardless of source, within a supposedly identical population.
Noise
Rumour or complaint.
The problems with the new computer system are causing a lot of noise at Head Office.
Noise
(informal) Speech that is suggestive of an attitude or opinion.
Noise
(obsolete) Music, in general; a concert; also, a company of musicians; a band.
Noise
(music) A genre of rock music that uses static and other non-musical sounds, also influenced by art rock.
Noise
(intransitive) To make a noise; to sound.
Noise
(transitive) To spread news of; to spread as rumor or gossip.
Noise
Sound of any kind.
The heavens turn about in a most rapid motion without noiseto us perceived.
Noise
Especially, loud, confused, or senseless sound; clamor; din.
Noise
Loud or continuous talk; general talk or discussion; rumor; report.
What noise have we had about transplantation of diseases and transfusion of blood!
Socrates lived in Athens during the great plague which has made so much noise in all ages.
Noise
Music, in general; a concert; also, a company of musicians; a band.
The king has his noise of gypsies.
Noise
To sound; to make a noise.
Noise
To spread by rumor or report.
All these sayings were noised abroad.
Noise
To disturb with noise.
Noise
Sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound);
He enjoyed the street noises
They heard indistinct noises of people talking
During the firework display that ended the gala the noise reached 98 decibels
Noise
The auditory experience of sound that lacks musical quality; sound that is a disagreeable auditory experience;
Modern music is just noise to me
Noise
Electrical or acoustic activity that can disturb communication
Noise
A loud outcry of protest or complaint;
The announcement of the election recount caused a lot of noise
Whatever it was he didn't like it and he was going to let them know by making as loud a noise as he could
Noise
Incomprehensibility resulting from irrelevant information or meaningless facts or remarks;
All the noise in his speech concealed the fact that he didn't have anything to say
Noise
The quality of lacking any predictable order or plan
Noise
Emit a noise
Common Curiosities
Can "noice" be used in formal writing?
No, it's informal slang and not appropriate for formal contexts.
Does noise pollution have health effects?
Yes, prolonged exposure to noise can have adverse health impacts.
Is "noice" recognized in standard dictionaries?
Some modern dictionaries might list it as slang.
Is noise always a bad thing?
Generally, noise refers to unwanted sounds, but it can be subjective.
Can "noice" be used sarcastically?
Yes, it's sometimes used sarcastically in conversation.
How is noise measured?
Noise is often measured in decibels (dB).
Can music be considered noise?
If it's loud and unwanted, music can be perceived as noise.
Is "noice" a new word?
It's a relatively recent slang term, popularized in modern culture.
Does "noice" vary in meaning?
Its meaning is generally consistent, but tone can change its implication.
Can noise affect wildlife?
Yes, noise pollution can impact wildlife behavior and habitats.
Can "noice" be used in professional settings?
It's best kept for casual, informal interactions.
Are there laws regulating noise?
Yes, many places have regulations to control noise pollution.
Is "noice" used globally?
Its use is more common in English-speaking countries and among internet users.
What is white noise?
White noise is a consistent sound used to mask other noises.
Are there devices to cancel noise?
Yes, noise-cancelling headphones and other technologies are available.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
