Squalling: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'squall' originally referred to a sudden, loud cry or disturbance and comes from Middle English.
• Its roots can be traced back to the Old Norse word 'skvaldr', meaning 'to squall, bellow or cry out'.
• In nautical terms, 'squall' describes a sudden, sharp increase in wind speed, drawing a parallel to loudness and surprise.

Literature

• 'Squalling' often appears in poetry and prose to evoke strong emotions, such as despair or chaos.
• Classic authors like Charles Dickens used this word to describe the cries of distressed children during harsh times.
• In literature, the sound of a squall can symbolize turmoil or the intensity of a character's feelings.

Psychology

• Research in childhood psychology suggests that loud crying can be a sign of both distress and a call for attention in babies.
• Loud vocal expressions in humans can trigger empathy in adults, prompting protective instincts.
• The sound of infants squalling often correlates with parental stress responses, affecting mood and behavior.

Pop Culture

• In movies, the sound of a squalling baby often signals a turning point, indicating chaos or a crisis at home.
• Musicians have referenced squalling in songs to evoke feelings of heartache or reminiscing about lost childhood simplicity.
• Popular cartoon characters often portray exaggerated squalling to demonstrate humor or exaggerate situations.

Animal Behavior

• Many animals, including birds and mammals, use squalling to communicate distress, attracting attention from parents or group members.
• In the wild, the squall of a baby animal can signal danger, prompting protective behaviors from adults.
• Some species, like seal pups, are known for their squalling to petition for mothers' attention during feeding time.