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Clucking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clucking

[ˈklʌkɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

animal sound

Clucking refers to the characteristic sound made by chickens and other birds. It is often associated with the act of laying eggs or calling their chicks. This sound can vary in pitch and intensity depending on the situation.

Synonyms

cackle, click, croak.

Examples of usage

  • The hen was clucking softly in the corner.
  • He heard clucking noises coming from the barn.
  • The chicks responded with clucking when their mother called them.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Chickens use clucking to communicate with their chicks, signaling warmth and safety.
  • Different clucking patterns can indicate various emotional states, such as excitement or warning.

Pop Culture

  • Clucking is often used in cartoons and movies to humorously depict chickens and poultry.
  • Famous animated films often feature a clucking chicken character to symbolize silliness.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, the sound of clucking is associated with good luck, especially in agricultural communities.
  • The phrase 'clucking like a hen' is popularly used to describe someone gossiping or chattering.

Science

  • Studies show chickens have a wide range of vocalizations beyond clucking, each with specific meanings.
  • Clucking can also reflect the social structure within flocks, indicating hierarchy.

Origin of 'clucking'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cluck' comes from Old English 'clucian', mimicking the sound chickens make.
  • It entered common usage in the late 15th century to describe the sound of hens.

The word 'clucking' derives from the Middle English term 'cluken,' which is related to the Old English 'clucian' meaning 'to make a sound like a hen.' This term has Germanic roots and is connected to similar sounds in other languages, reflecting the natural sounds made by birds. Over time, 'clucking' has become a specific term in English to describe the vocalization of hens and is commonly used in both rural and urban contexts to evoke the imagery of farm life. The sound itself serves various purposes in avian communication, including alerting to danger, communication between chicks and hens, and establishing territory.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,729 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.