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Yelped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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yelped

[jɛlpt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past action

Yelped is the simple past tense of the verb 'yelp', which means to give a quick, sharp cry, especially in pain or surprise. It is commonly used to describe the sound made by a small dog or an animal in distress. The term can also be applied to humans who express sudden emotion.

Synonyms

cried, shrieked, squealed.

Examples of usage

  • The dog yelped when it stepped on a thorn.
  • She yelped in surprise when her friend jumped out.
  • He yelped after being startled by the loud noise.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Dogs yelp when startled or hurt as a way to communicate distress to their owners or pack.
  • In the wild, many animals produce yelps to warn others of danger, showcasing its role in survival.
  • Just like humans scream or shout, dogs express their emotions through various vocalizations, including yelping.

Pop Culture

  • 'Yelp!' is also a popular service for reviewing and finding local businesses, showing how the word enters everyday conversation.
  • Characters in movies often yelp to add humor or highlight a moment of fear, making the sound relatable to audiences.
  • The term appears frequently in children's books and cartoons, where characters yelp to express strong reactions.

Psychology

  • When experiencing sudden pain or surprise, people often yelp as a reflex, showcasing our instinctive reactions.
  • Yelping can be a form of vocal catharsis, helping individuals release stress or express their feelings instantly.
  • The loudness and pitch of a yelp can convey different emotions, from joy to fear, showing the nuance in human vocalizations.

Literature

  • Authors use yelping as an effective tool in storytelling, adding a layer of realism to characters' reactions.
  • In poetry, the sound of a yelp can evoke feelings of urgency or panic, amplifying the emotional impact of a scene.
  • Children's literature often includes yelps to depict playful or scared characters, making the reading experience engaging and lively.

Origin of 'yelped'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'yelped' comes from the Old English word 'gielpan,' meaning to cry out or shout.
  • In the 15th century, the term was commonly used to describe the sound made by dogs.
  • Over time, it evolved to include sounds made by people expressing sudden excitement or pain.

The word 'yelp' has its origins in the late Middle English 'yelpen', which meant 'to bark' or 'to cry out'. It is related to the Old English 'geolpa', which referred to a shout or a call for attention. The sound associated with yelping has remained consistent over time, often linked closely to small dogs or animals expressing discomfort or urgency. The evolution of 'yelp' into modern English maintains its emotional connotation, typically associated with short, high-pitched calls indicating surprise, excitement, or pain. This verb has also adapted into various contexts, reflecting changes in language usage and expressions over the centuries.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,428, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.