squawk
C1informal
Definition
Meaning
To make a loud, harsh, raucous cry, especially one characteristic of a large bird like a parrot or seagull.
To complain or protest loudly and raucously about something, often in a way that is perceived as annoying or unjustified.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb form carries stronger metaphorical connotations of complaint than the noun form, which more directly references the sound itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Both varieties use the literal and figurative senses.
Connotations
In both varieties, the figurative use to mean 'complain' is informal and can carry a mildly derogatory tone, implying the complaint is shrill or unreasonable.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties in informal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
squawk (that) + clause: 'He squawked that the deal was unfair.'squawk about/over/at + NP: 'They squawked about the new parking fees.'squawk + adverb: 'The parrot squawked incessantly.'Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “squawk box (slang for a loudspeaker or intercom)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informally used for vocal complaints about policies or decisions: 'The sales team squawked when they saw the new quarterly targets.'
Academic
Rare, except in ornithology or descriptive prose for literal sounds.
Everyday
Common for describing bird sounds or loud, annoying complaints.
Technical
In aviation, a 'squawk' is a four-digit transponder code assigned by air traffic control.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The gulls began to squawk noisily over the fish and chips.
- The shareholders squawked at the board's proposal to cut the dividend.
American English
- My parrot will squawk if he sees the mail carrier.
- Don't just squawk about the problem; offer a solution.
adverb
British English
- The alarm went off squawkily, startling everyone.
- He protested squawkily about the ref's decision.
American English
- The parrot mimicked the phone squawkily.
- She complained squawkily to the manager.
adjective
British English
- A squawk box was installed to relay announcements to the warehouse.
- The politician gave a squawk-filled response to the journalist.
American English
- The old squawk box in the control tower needed replacing.
- The meeting was disrupted by squawk protests from the back.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The big bird made a loud squawk.
- The baby cried with a squawk.
- We heard a parrot squawk in the pet shop.
- He squawked in surprise when he saw the spider.
- Seagulls squawked overhead as we walked along the pier.
- Local residents squawked about the plans for the new airport runway.
- The opposition squawked in indignation at the government's latest policy U-turn.
- The aviation authority assigned a new squawk code to the incoming flight.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SQUIRRel and a hAWK fighting over a nut. The loud, harsh noise they make is a SQUAWK.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LOUD COMPLAINT IS THE CRY OF A BIRD.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'squeak' (скрипеть, пищать), which is higher-pitched. 'Squawk' is harser.
- The Russian equivalent 'скворец' (starling) is a false friend; they are unrelated.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'squawk' for a quiet or pleasant sound (incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'squak' (common error).
- Using in overly formal contexts where 'complain' or 'protest' is more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'squawk' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its primary meaning is the harsh cry of a bird, it is very commonly used metaphorically for people who complain loudly and shrilly.
'Squawk' is a harsh, grating sound (like a parrot). 'Squeak' is a short, high-pitched sound (like a mouse or a door hinge). 'Scream' is a loud, high-pitched cry of fear, pain, or excitement from a person or animal.
It's an informal, often slightly derogatory term for a loudspeaker, intercom, or public address system.
Very rarely. Its connotations are almost always negative or neutral (descriptive). It implies a sound or complaint that is harsh, raucous, and often annoying.