Hackled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hackled
[ˈhækəld ]
Definition
feathers, hair
Hackled refers to the state of being raised or bristled, often used to describe the feathers of a bird or the fur of an animal when it is in a state of alarm or threat. When animals feel afraid or challenged, they may hackle their feathers or fur to appear larger or more intimidating. This reaction is an instinctive part of their defense mechanism.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The dog's hackled fur revealed its fear.
- The hackled feathers of the angry bird stood on end.
- He felt hackled when he heard the loud noise.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Animal Behavior
- Many animals, like cats and dogs, exhibit similar responses when feeling threatened, raising their fur or hackles to appear larger and more intimidating.
- Hackling in animals serves as a warning signal, indicating they might attack if they feel cornered.
Psychology
- Feelings associated with being 'hackled' can lead to 'fight or flight' responses, a natural reaction to perceived danger.
- The term also captures moments of indignation, representing both instinctive and learned emotional responses to social conflicts.
Literature
- Writers sometimes use 'hackled' to create vivid imagery of characters experiencing intense emotions, often in conflict or at a climax.
- The phrase 'hackles raised' is commonly used in literature to symbolize tension and impending confrontation.
Pop Culture
- In movies and TV shows, when a character's hackles are raised, it often means something suspenseful is about to happen.
- The expression is frequently used in discussions about conflicts, portraying moments of high emotion and tension.
Origin of 'hackled'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Middle English 'hackle', referring to the long feathers on a bird's neck, often raised in readiness or aggression.
- Old Norse influences can be traced in the term, emphasizing the connection to animal behavior and physical reaction to threats.
The term 'hackled' originates from Middle English 'hakel,' which meant 'to hackle or to comb'—possibly referring to the process of separating fibers. This usage reflects the action of raising feathers or fur, as in the act of hackling. The etymology can be traced further back to Old English, where 'hacel' referred to a kind of comb used in the textile process. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe the raised state of an animal's hair or feathers, especially in response to fear or aggression. This transformation illustrates the word's adaptation to describe a specific physiological response in animals, emphasizing their instinctive behaviors and social signaling among species.