Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˌɑːɹɪvˈɑːɹi] (IPA) 
Charivari is a French term (ʃa.ʁi.va.ʁi) that refers to a public expression of disapproval, usually involving noise or ridicule. The spelling of this word reflects its French origins, with the "ch" pronounced as the "sh" sound, the "a" and "i" forming a diphthong pronounced as "ay," and the final "i" sounding like "ee." This word is not commonly used in everyday English, but it may appear in literature or historical discussions.
Charivari, pronounced as shah-ree-va-ree, is a noun that refers to a loud and public display of disapproval or protest, typically carried out in an organized manner by a group of people. It stems from a French term meaning "rough music" and historically, charivaris were often associated with traditional practices in which communities gathered to shame individuals who had committed socially unacceptable acts or engaged in immoral behavior.
In a charivari, participants create a cacophony of noise by banging pots and pans, shouting, whistling, or playing musical instruments, with the intention of publicly expressing their discontent or contempt towards a person, event, or action. This noisy demonstration is often conducted outside the home of the individual or group being criticized and is intended to be confrontational and humiliating.
Charivaris have been used throughout history to express collective disapproval, challenge societal norms, or castigate individuals for their perceived wrongdoings. They have been employed to condemn actions such as infidelity, unlawful behavior, or marrying outside one's social norms or age group.
In modern times, the term charivari has broadened its meaning and can be used to describe any organized protest or demonstration which utilizes loud, jarring sounds and disruptive actions to convey discontent or disagreement. It represents a powerful tool for those seeking to voice their objections or to publicly shame individuals or events that they believe are deserving of criticism.
The word "charivari" originated from the French language. It can be traced back to the Old French word "chaluvar", which meant "a headache" or "a loud noise". The term then evolved into "charivari" in Middle French, referring to a raucous disturbance or mock serenade by a group of people using various noisemaking objects. Eventually, the word entered the English language in the 18th century, maintaining its original meaning.
