Mewling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mewling
[ˈmjuːlɪŋ ]
Definition
sound production
Mewling refers to the soft, high-pitched crying or whimpering, typically associated with young mammals such as kittens. This term is often used to describe the noise made by these young animals when they are hungry or need attention. It can also convey a sense of weakness or vulnerability, often in a figurative sense when referring to people. Mewling can evoke feelings of sympathy in listeners, as it suggests a need for care or assistance.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The kittens were mewling for their mother.
- She could hear the mewling of the baby in the other room.
- The stray cat mewled pitifully outside the door.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Charles Dickens famously used the term to describe the weak and helpless characters, evoking sympathy.
- In Shakespeare's works, 'mewling' is often associated with children or figures in a position of vulnerability.
- It's commonly used in poetry to convey a sense of sadness or despair, adding an emotional layer to the writing.
Pop Culture
- The sound of mewling is often used in films to depict a young animal or a distressed baby, immediately triggering empathy.
- Cartoon characters, especially in animated films, often mewl to express their innocence or need for help.
- In popular music, imagery of mewling is occasionally used to evoke feelings of longing and sadness.
Psychology
- The sound signifies vulnerability and can trigger protective instincts in adults, often associating it with caring for infants or young animals.
- Hearing soft, mewling sounds can evoke emotional responses in individuals, highlighting basic instincts related to nurturing.
- Research suggests that certain vocalizations, like mewling, are designed to elicit empathy and sympathy in listeners.
Animal Behavior
- Kittens mewl to communicate their needs to their mothers, such as hunger or discomfort.
- Mewling can also signify submission or fear in young animals, prompting them to seek comfort or safety.
- It plays a crucial role in animal socialization, helping young animals learn to express their needs and emotions.
Origin of 'mewling'
Main points about word origin
- The term originates from the Middle English word 'mewle,' meaning to cry like a kitten or to show distress.
- Related to the Old English word 'mēow,' which is a variant of 'meow,' imitating the sound of a cat.
- 'Mew' can also refer to a cage or enclosure for a hawk, highlighting the concept of being trapped or in distress.
The word 'mewling' is derived from 'mew', which in this context refers to the characteristic sound made by young animals, particularly kittens. The term 'mew' itself has roots in Middle English, coming from the Old French 'meu', which also referred to the cry of a cat. Over time, 'mewling' evolved to represent not only the sounds made by young animals but also metaphorically describe a human's weak or feeble complaints. The use of 'mewling' in literature often conveys a sense of pity or tenderness towards the subject producing this sound, particularly when discussing themes of vulnerability.