Catcalled: meaning, definitions and examples
😳
catcalled
[ ˈkæt.kɔːld ]
sexual harassment
Catcalled refers to the act of shouting or making unsolicited comments to someone in a public space, often with a sexual innuendo. This behavior is typically directed at women and can make the recipient feel uncomfortable or threatened. Catcalling is considered a form of street harassment and is often criticized for contributing to a culture of disrespect toward women. Many people view catcalling as an invasion of personal space and a violation of basic social etiquette.
Synonyms
heckled, shouted at, whistled at
Examples of usage
- She walked past a construction site and was catcalled by the workers.
- Catcalling is a common experience for many women in urban areas.
- He felt it was inappropriate to catcall the women walking by.
- The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the negative impacts of being catcalled.
Translations
Translations of the word "catcalled" in other languages:
🇵🇹 assobiado
🇮🇳 कैटकॉल किया गया
🇩🇪 belästigt
🇮🇩 dihina
🇺🇦 собака кликали
🇵🇱 wyzywany
🇯🇵 猫呼びされる
🇫🇷 harcelé
🇪🇸 acosado
🇹🇷 sataşılmış
🇰🇷 길거리에서 소리쳤다
🇸🇦 تم الاستهزاء به
🇨🇿 obtěžován
🇸🇰 obťažovaný
🇨🇳 被调侃
🇸🇮 žaljen
🇮🇸 kallaður
🇰🇿 қатты сөйлеген
🇬🇪 შეურაცხყოფილი
🇦🇿 təhqir olunmuş
🇲🇽 acosado
Etymology
The term 'catcall' has a long history that dates back to the 16th century. Originally, it referred to a type of noise made to express disapproval, much like a cat's call or the sound made by a hissing cat when it feels threatened. The association of 'catcall' with the act of shouting at someone, particularly in a derogatory or sexual manner, became prominent in the 20th century. The evolution of the term reflects changing societal norms and attitudes towards public interactions, particularly regarding gender dynamics and respect. Criticism of catcalling has increased in recent years, coinciding with broader discussions about consent and women's rights. As a result, catcalling is now widely recognized as a form of harassment that can have lasting effects on the victims.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,708, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.