catcalling
catcalling — noun
1. loud shouts or whistles from a group of people who are unhappy with a performanc
loud shouts or whistles from a group of people who are unhappy with a performance, a speech, or a decision during a game or other public gathering
The referee's decision sparked a wave of catcalling from the home crowd at the stadium.
catcalling + from [crowd] — typical source pattern
After the politician's speech, catcalling from the audience drowned out the next speaker.
catcalling + from [audience] — source of disapproval
The team's poor performance drew loud catcalling from disappointed fans in the stands.
Some audience members responded with catcalling when the comedian's jokes did not land well.
文法句型
catcalling + from + [person/group]
draw + catcalling
用法筆記
This older sense is becoming less common in everyday speech; many modern speakers associate 'catcalling' primarily with street harassment.
常見錯誤
2. when people in public places shout rude comments, make sexual remarks, or whistl
when people in public places shout rude comments, make sexual remarks, or whistle at someone who is passing by, usually in a way that makes the person feel uncomfortable or threatened
Sade felt unsafe walking home alone because of persistent catcalling from men on the street.
catcalling + from men on the street — typical setting
Many cities have launched public campaigns to raise awareness about the harm caused by catcalling.
campaigns about catcalling — social awareness context
Darius saw catcalling aimed at a woman at a bus stop and told the men to stop.
After sunset, Mei heard catcalling from teenagers on a park bench and quickened her pace.
The documentary explored how young women often first experience catcalling before the age of sixteen.
- street harassment
broader term that includes catcalling plus other forms of public harassment (following, touching, etc.)
- wolf-whistling
specifically a two-tone whistle, less common today; catcalling includes verbal comments as well
- respect
treating others politely in public spaces
文法句型
experience + catcalling
catcalling + directed at + [person]
用法筆記
This is now the dominant meaning of 'catcalling'. The term is widely used in discussions about public safety and gender-based harassment. It is usually uncountable — use 'catcalling' (not 'a catcalling') to refer to the general phenomenon.