catcall: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, often negative
Quick answer
What does “catcall” mean?
A loud whistle or shout of disapproval, mockery, or sexual harassment directed at someone, typically in a public place.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A loud whistle or shout of disapproval, mockery, or sexual harassment directed at someone, typically in a public place.
Any sharp, derisive, or suggestive sound or comment intended to heckle, ridicule, or objectify. Can also refer to the act of making such sounds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Universally negative. Strongly connotes sexual harassment, objectification, and public nuisance.
Frequency
More frequently discussed in contemporary media and social discourse in both varieties, but the word itself is not high-frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “catcall” in a Sentence
[Somebody] catcalls [somebody/at somebody].[Somebody] is catcalled.A catcall (from the crowd).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catcall” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lads began to catcall as the women walked past the building site.
- He was thrown out for catcalling the performers.
American English
- The group of men catcalled the reporter from across the street.
- She filed a complaint after being catcalled on her way to work.
adverb
British English
- [Not standardly used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not standardly used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- It is a catcall culture that needs to change.
- The catcall behaviour was captured on video.
American English
- The city launched an anti-catcall campaign.
- She described the catcall incident to the police.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear in HR reports on workplace harassment.
Academic
Used in sociology, gender studies, and media studies discussing harassment and public space.
Everyday
Used when describing unpleasant street behaviour or audience heckling.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catcall”
- Using it to mean a friendly whistle. *Incorrect: 'He gave a friendly catcall to his mate.' It is inherently negative.
- Confusing it with 'applause'.
- Using it as a synonym for any shout.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it overwhelmingly is in modern usage. It can also be a general shout of derision or mockery, such as at a political speaker or a poor theatre performance.
Yes, it is commonly used as a verb (e.g., 'He catcalled her').
In some cities and countries, catcalling (as street harassment) can be a finable offense under public nuisance or anti-harassment laws. It is not universally illegal.
All catcalls often involve whistling, but not all whistles are catcalls. A 'catcall' specifically implies a hostile, mocking, or sexually harassing intent.
A loud whistle or shout of disapproval, mockery, or sexual harassment directed at someone, typically in a public place.
Catcall is usually informal, often negative in register.
Catcall: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkætkɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkætkɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specifically with 'catcall']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an angry 'cat' hissing and a loud 'call' – together they make a rude, sharp sound directed at someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN AS PREY (subjected to the 'call' like an animal).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'catcall' MOST appropriate?