catcall
5
8.2
- noun
- /ˈkætˌkɔl/
- We tried to outdo each other in the alliterative quality of our catcalls.
- catcalls and whistles
- catcalls and boos
- catcalls or jeers
Examples
-
Their catcalls for "Light My Fire" die out as Jim faces them down.
Fiction book (1991) -
The chairman there answering the catcalls of the Derby crowd.
-
So I put on my coat and left for home, to the catcalls of my co-workers.
Fiction book (1997) -
There were murmurs rippling through the crowd and a few catcalls as the couple walked away.
Fiction book (1990) -
In an unprecedented occurrence, Garcia was forced to leave the party headquarters amid catcalls and protests.
Academic text (1990) -
As the performer stumbled on stage, the audience responded with loud catcalls expressing their disapproval.
-
During the play, a few audience members issued sharp catcalls whenever the lead actor forgot his lines.
-
After the controversial speech, the crowd erupted in catcalls directed at the speaker, showing their displeasure.
Synonyms
87
1.0
Loud sounds people make to show strong feelings, for example at sports games
85
1.0
A loud cry to get attention or show strong feeling
1
8.0
Making unwanted sexual or insulting remarks at people in public, usually toward women
1
9.6
A loud high pitched crying sound made by a cat
Antonyms
How Disapproving
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Catcall comes from the parts cat and call, and it first meant a small, shrill noise used in theatres to show 'disapproval'. That's why a catcall today is a loud, harsh whistle or shout that shows dislike or gives unwanted attention.