Yawling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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yawling
[ˈjɔːlɪŋ ]
Definition
crying loudly
Yawling refers to making a loud cry or wailing sound, often associated with distress or discomfort. It is typically used to describe the noises made by certain animals, especially young ones, or sometimes by people expressing sorrow.
Synonyms
crying, howling, screaming, wailing.
Examples of usage
- The newborn kitten began yawling for its mother.
- The child was yawling after falling and scraping his knee.
- In the distance, the yawling of wolves echoed through the night.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Yawling appears in various literary contexts, often symbolizing distress or the calling of the night.
- In poetry, such as works by Emily Dickinson, the sound evokes feelings of loneliness and longing.
Pop Culture
- Yawling is often depicted in movies featuring cats, highlighting their expressive nature during nighttime.
- Some music genres, like blues or folk, incorporate yawling as a metaphor for heartache or longing.
Animal Behavior
- Yawling is commonly observed in cats, particularly during mating seasons or when expressing discomfort or distress.
- Unlike other animal sounds, yawling can be a form of communication, signaling a desire for attention or a warning.
Psychology
- The sound of yawling can evoke emotional responses in humans, often associated with feelings of sadness or empathy.
- Studies suggest that animal sounds like yawling may trigger instinctual responses in listeners, prompting caretaking behavior.
Origin of 'yawling'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from a combination of the Old English word 'ceole' meaning 'to howl' and 'yowl' which describes a cat's cry.
- The term has evolved over centuries, often associated with nocturnal sounds in rural settings.
The word 'yawling' is derived from the Old English 'gealwian', meaning to yell or cry out. The root can be traced back to various Germanic languages, where similar sounds were used to describe loud cries or howls made by animals. Over time, 'yawling' became a more specific term associated primarily with the cries of young animals, particularly kittens and puppies, but it has also been applied to humans in distress. This evolution reflects the emotive quality of the sound, signaling distress or a call for attention. As language evolved, the onomatopoeic nature of the word helped it gain popularity in informal contexts, effectively communicating the essence of a loud, mournful sound.