catcall

/'kætkɔ:l/

Thân thiện

A person on stage hears a catcall from the audience.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A loud whistle or shout of disapproval: A "catcall" is a sharp, often shrill sound—like a whistle or a shout—made by an audience member to express strong disapproval, mockery, or derision, especially toward a performer or speaker.
   • A rude or mocking remark: It can also refer to a shouted comment, often of a sexual or insulting nature, directed at someone in a public space.

2. Verb:

   • To make such a sound or shout: To "catcall" means to express disapproval or mock someone by uttering loud whistles, shouts, or rude remarks.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The comedian was met with loud catcalls from the hostile audience.
  • She walked down the street, ignoring the catcalls from the construction workers.

• Verb:

  • A few people in the back began to catcall during the politician's speech.
  • It is unacceptable to catcall anyone on the street.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural and Social Context: Catcalling is widely recognized as a form of harassment, particularly when directed at women in public places. It is not merely criticism but an act intended to intimidate, objectify, or shame the target.
  • The city launched a campaign to raise awareness about the harmful effects of street catcalling.

Variants and Related Words

• Catcaller (noun): A person who utters catcalls.
  • The catcaller was ejected from the theater.

Synonyms

• Noun: Jeer, boo, hiss, whistle, taunt, heckle.
• Verb: To jeer, to boo, to hiss, to taunt, to heckle.

Related Phrases

• To heckle and catcall: This phrase emphasizes a combination of interrupting with questions or insults (heckling) and making loud disapproving noises (catcalling).
  • The protestors came to heckle and catcall the controversial speaker.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a cry expressing disapproval

Verb

1. utter catcalls at