street cry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Historical, Literary, Figurative. Rare in contemporary everyday speech.
Quick answer
What does “street cry” mean?
The traditional, rhythmic shout or call used by street vendors and peddlers to advertise their goods or services in a public space.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The traditional, rhythmic shout or call used by street vendors and peddlers to advertise their goods or services in a public space.
A figurative term for a public proclamation of an idea, grievance, or demand; a slogan or rallying call in public discourse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Historically present in both cultures, though specific traditional cries differed.
Connotations
Carries the same historical and cultural nostalgia in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and literary in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “street cry” in a Sentence
The street cry of the rag-and-bone man could be heard for miles.She used her political speech as a street cry for justice.The article described the street cries of 19th-century London.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used historically to refer to marketing before mass media.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or cultural studies of urban life and commerce.
Everyday
Very rare; used mainly in figurative or descriptive language.
Technical
Not applicable in modern technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “street cry”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “street cry”
- Using it to refer to any loud argument or fight on a street.
- Using it in a modern commercial context (e.g., 'the street cry of a new iPhone').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a historical or literary term. You are unlikely to hear it in everyday conversation.
No, it is a compound noun. There is no standard verb form 'to street-cry'.
A 'street cry' is specifically an oral, often melodic, call made in person in a public space. A 'slogan' is a short, memorable phrase used in any media (print, digital, spoken) for advertising or propaganda.
Historically, yes, it was for vendors. Figuratively, it can refer to any strong, public vocal appeal for a cause or idea.
The traditional, rhythmic shout or call used by street vendors and peddlers to advertise their goods or services in a public space.
Street cry is usually historical, literary, figurative. rare in contemporary everyday speech. in register.
Street cry: in British English it is pronounced /striːt kraɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /striːt kraɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The street cry of the times”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CRY from a person on the STREET trying to sell fruit. It's a public vocal advertisement.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC DISCOURSE IS A MARKETPLACE (e.g., 'his ideas were his street cry in the political square').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'street cry' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?