The word "catcalled" is spelled with the letters C-A-T-C-A-L-L-E-D, and is pronounced as /ˈkæt.ˌkɔld/. The first syllable is pronounced as "kat", with a short "a" sound followed by a "t" sound. The second syllable "called" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, then a "l" sound, and ends with a "d" sound. Together, they create a word that means to whistle or shout at someone in a derogatory or sexual manner. This act is considered harassment and should never be tolerated.
Catcalled is a verb that refers to the act of making a loud, sharp, and typically high-pitched whistle, shout, or derogatory comment towards someone, usually a woman, in a public setting. This form of harassment often occurs on the streets and is primarily directed at females by males, though it can occur among any gender combination. The term "catcalled" is derived from the noise made by a cat when it is trying to gain someone's attention or express its interest.
Catcalling is generally seen as a form of objectification, sexual harassment, or even verbal assault. It aims to demean the person being targeted, often reducing them to their physical appearance or perceived sexual attractiveness. Catcalling may range from whistling and shouting sexually explicit comments to making lewd gestures or propositioning someone in an offensive manner. Consequently, catcalled individuals may feel uncomfortable, unsafe, and violated due to the unwanted attention they receive.
The act of catcalling is widely condemned as disrespectful and degrading, as it perpetuates harmful power dynamics and contributes to a hostile environment, especially for women. Organizations and initiatives have emerged to combat catcalling and raise awareness about this issue, promoting respect, consent, and gender equality. Laws and regulations in many jurisdictions also aim to protect individuals from such harassment, recognizing catcalling as a form of psychological and emotional abuse.
The word "catcalled" is derived from the combination of the words "cat" and "call". The origins of the term can be traced back to the early 17th century. The word "cat" was used as a slang term for a man who made sexual advances towards women. Meanwhile, "call" refers to the act of shouting or whistling in order to attract attention. Over time, this combination of words came to specifically describe the act of making sexually suggestive or derisive comments towards women in public spaces. The term "catcalling" has since become widely used to describe this behavior.