Pronunciation: [jˈaps at] (IPA) 
The phrase "yaps at" is pronounced /jæps æt/. The initial sound is a palatal glide /j/ followed by an open front vowel /æ/. The final sound /s/ is a voiceless alveolar fricative, while the /æt/ ending consists of a voiced alveolar stop and a neutral vowel sound. The word "yaps" refers to the action of barking in a repetitive and high-pitched manner. When used with "at," it implies that the dog is barking at someone or something.
"Yaps at" is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of barking or making sharp and high-pitched noises repeatedly and continuously, typically in a noisy or annoying manner. This term is commonly used to describe the vocalization of small dogs, such as Chihuahuas or Yorkshire Terriers, which are known for their tendency to make yapping sounds.
When a dog "yaps at" something or someone, it means that the animal is making rapid and repetitive yapping noises directed towards a specific target or object. This behavior can be triggered by various factors, such as excitement, fear, protectiveness, territoriality, or simply seeking attention. For instance, a dog may yap at a passing car, a stranger approaching its territory, or even at its own reflection in a mirror.
The phrase "yaps at" can also be metaphorically used to describe someone who incessantly talks or complains in a similar manner to a yapping dog. In this sense, it implies that the person is speaking in a persistent and repetitive manner, often without thoughtful consideration or significance. This connotation highlights the annoyance and lack of substance associated with such verbal behavior.
Overall, "yaps at" is an expression used to describe the repetitive, high-pitched barking or vocalization of dogs, as well as metaphorically referring to persistent and trivial talking or complaining by individuals.
The phrase "yaps at" is a colloquial expression derived from the word "yap" as a verb. "Yap" originated as onomatopoeia, imitating the sound made by small dogs when barking. Over time, "yap" developed into a verb that means to bark sharply and continuously, typically associated with small or annoying dogs. Therefore, "yaps at" is used to describe a situation where someone or something is constantly speaking or making noise in a high-pitched and annoying manner.
