catcalling
catcalling Lexical Profile
catcalling Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The act or practice of making loud, unsolicited, and sexually suggestive shouts, whistles, or comments directed at someone passing by in a public place.
"The city launched a public awareness campaign aimed at reducing street harassment and catcalling on public transit."
The making of shrill whistles, jeers, or derisive cries to express disapproval of a speaker, performer, or athlete.
"The referee's controversial call was immediately met with loud booing and catcalling from the home crowd."
• verb
To make a loud, unsolicited whistle, shout, or sexually suggestive comment at someone passing by in public (present participle of catcall).
"Several bystanders intervened when they noticed a group of men catcalling pedestrians from the street corner."
To shout derisive cries, jeers, or shrill whistles at a performer or speaker in disapproval (present participle of catcall).
"Unhappy fans began catcalling from the upper bleachers after the team's third consecutive turnover."
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the noun 'catcall', attested since the mid-17th century, which originally referred to a high-pitched whistle or squeaking instrument used by theater audiences to express disapproval of a play.