catcall — a loud whistle or shout of disapproval, typically one made at a public meeting or performance
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a loud whistle or shout of disapproval, typically one made at a public meeting or performance
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkætˌkɔːl/
Example Sentences
- The magician's failed trick was met with catcalls and boos from the unimpressed crowd.
- When the chef announced the restaurant was out of pizza, customers responded with catcalls louder than a cat choir.
- She decided to take self-defense classes after experiencing catcalls during her morning jog.
catcall
NOUN[/ˈkætˌkɔːl/]
a loud whistle or shout of disapproval, typically one made at a public meeting or performance
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word emerged in the 17th century, derived from the sharp, unpleasant sound a cat makes when vocalizing. It originated from the practice of people making high-pitched whistling sounds similar to an angry cat's cry to express disapproval or protest.
Breakdown
cat (the feline animal) + call (a vocal sound or utterance). The compound combines the animal's characteristic cry with the act of making a sound to convey disapproval.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The magician's failed trick was met with catcalls and boos from the unimpressed crowd.”
“When the chef announced the restaurant was out of pizza, customers responded with catcalls louder than a cat choir.”
“She decided to take self-defense classes after experiencing catcalls during her morning jog.”
“The politician's promise to give everyone free cats was met with confused catcalls - nobody knew if they were protesting or celebrating.”
📚Related Words
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