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Heckling: meaning, definitions and examples

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heckling

 

[ ˈhɛkəlɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

public speaking

Heckling refers to the act of interrupting a speaker or performer with aggressive or mocking remarks. It is commonly seen in live performances, debates, and public speaking events. Hecklers often aim to disrupt the speaker's presentation, challenge their ideas, or elicit a response. While some may consider it to be playful banter, it can often be perceived as rude or confrontational, depending on the context and manner in which it is done.

Synonyms

interrupting, mocking, taunting

Examples of usage

  • The comedian struggled to continue his set due to the heckling from the audience.
  • During the political debate, a few members of the crowd started heckling the candidates.
  • Despite the heckling, the speaker maintained their composure and addressed the audience efficiently.

Translations

Translations of the word "heckling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gritar

🇮🇳 बात काटना

🇩🇪 stören

🇮🇩 menggangu

🇺🇦 перебивання

🇵🇱 przeszkadzanie

🇯🇵 野次る

🇫🇷 interrompre

🇪🇸 interrumpir

🇹🇷 rahatsız etmek

🇰🇷 방해하다

🇸🇦 مقاطعة

🇨🇿 přerušování

🇸🇰 prerušovanie

🇨🇳 打断

🇸🇮 prekinjanje

🇮🇸 trufla

🇰🇿 араластыру

🇬🇪 შეღწევა

🇦🇿 qarışdırma

🇲🇽 interrumpir

Etymology

The term 'heckle' traces its origins back to the 16th century, derived from the Scottish dialect, specifically the word 'heck', which means to comb or hack. Historically, heckling was used in a different context, referring to a process of preparing flax for linen production, which involved the use of a 'heckle', a comb-like tool. Over time, the term evolved to describe the act of disrupting a speaker or performer in a more aggressive and antagonistic manner. The shift in meaning became prominent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in relation to theatrical performances and public speaking events where audience participation often turned hostile. Today, heckling is widely recognized as both a form of audience engagement and a potential source of conflict in live performances.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,278, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.