squawk box: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal
Quick answer
What does “squawk box” mean?
A loudspeaker or intercom system, particularly a standalone unit used for announcements or communication.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A loudspeaker or intercom system, particularly a standalone unit used for announcements or communication.
Any system for one-way public address communication; colloquially, any public announcement system in an office, school, or transport setting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties, but slightly more common in American English, especially in corporate and aviation jargon.
Connotations
Connotes a utilitarian, sometimes impersonal or intrusive means of communication.
Frequency
Low-frequency term in general use but understood in specific professional domains.
Grammar
How to Use “squawk box” in a Sentence
announce sth on/over the squawk boxhear sth from the squawk boxbroadcast via squawk boxVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “squawk box” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The manager will squawk the news over the box at noon.
American English
- They squawked the alert through every box in the building.
adjective
British English
- The squawk-box announcement was barely audible.
American English
- We have a squawk-box system for emergencies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The CEO's voice came over the squawk box to announce the quarterly results.
Academic
Rare in academic writing; may appear in historical or sociological texts about workplace technology.
Everyday
We heard the final boarding call on the airport squawk box.
Technical
The pilot received instructions via the cockpit squawk box.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “squawk box”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “squawk box”
- Using it to refer to a telephone or a two-way radio system.
- Spelling as 'squalk box'.
- Confusing with 'squawk' as a verb meaning complain.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an informal, jargonistic term. In formal writing, 'public address system', 'intercom', or 'loudspeaker' is preferred.
It can refer to a one-way communication receiver, especially in aviation, but not typically to a two-way conversational radio.
It originates from mid-20th century, combining 'squawk' (a harsh, loud cry) with 'box' (slang for a radio or loudspeaker), emphasizing the sound quality.
Yes, 'Tannoy' (a brand name) is commonly used in British English as a generic term for a public address system, similar to 'squawk box'.
A loudspeaker or intercom system, particularly a standalone unit used for announcements or communication.
Squawk box: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskwɔːk bɒks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskwɑːk bɑːks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “voice from the squawk box”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a parrot (which SQUAWKS) in a BOX—a noisy, confined source of sound, like an intercom speaker.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS NOISE (often unwelcome or intrusive).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'squawk box' LEAST likely to be used?