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heckle

verb

/ˈhɛkl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of heckle

To interrupt or disrupt a public speaker or performer with jeers, insults, or other verbal abuse.
"The fans started to heckle the referee when he made a controversial decision."

Detailed meaning of heckle

The word Heckle comes from the Middle English word "hekelen" which means to harass or to annoy. In a public speaking context, heckling can refer to a person or a group of people in the audience who interrupt a speaker with questions, comments, or insults. This can be done in an attempt to disrupt the event or to express disagreement with the speaker's views.

Heckling can also occur in other settings such as political rallies, debates, or live performances. Heckling can be done by an individual or a group of people, and it can range from mild interruptions to more aggressive and abusive behavior. Heckling can be a form of free speech, but it can also be seen as disruptive, disrespectful and can be considered as a form of harassment.

Heckling can also be used in a more general sense to refer to any form of verbal abuse or harassment, such as cyber-heckling or online harassment.

Example sentences containing heckle

1. The audience started to heckle the comedian when his jokes became offensive.
2. Despite the negative atmosphere, the speaker remained calm as some people began to heckle him.
3. It's considered impolite to heckle a performer during their act.
4. The politician was able to handle the group of protesters who tried to heckle him during his speech.
5. You can't just heckle the opposition's viewpoint without providing any valid counter-arguments.
6. Comedians often have to deal with people who heckle them during their performances.

History and etymology of heckle

The verb 'heckle' has an interesting etymology rooted in the textile industry of the 16th century. Its origin can be traced back to the Middle English word 'hegge' or 'hackle,' which referred to a comb-like instrument used to comb out fibers from flax or hemp. These combs had sharp teeth and were used to separate and prepare the fibers for spinning. Over time, the term 'heckle' began to be associated with the idea of combing through something in a disruptive or annoying way, akin to the way these combs combed through fibers. In the context of public speaking or performing, 'heckling' came to mean the act of disrupting a speaker or performer by combing through their words with jeers, insults, or verbal abuse, thus leading to its contemporary usage.

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Further usage examples of heckle

1. She had the courage to stand up and heckle the speaker when he made false claims.
2. The angry customer started to heckle the shopkeeper over the price of the product.
3. He found it extremely difficult to present his ideas when the audience started to heckle him.
4. It's not uncommon for politicians to heckle each other during heated debates.
5. The activists decided to heckle the corporation at their annual meeting over environmental concerns.
6. They continued to heckle the umpire long after the controversial call was made.
7. The students decided to heckle the principal during the assembly as a form of protest.
8. She had to fight back tears as the bullies continued to heckle her.
9. The band maintained their composure despite the drunk audience members who decided to heckle them.
10. The rude guest continued to heckle the host with inappropriate comments.
11. The politician must learn to withstand the pressure when people heckle him.
12. The magician continued his act without being deterred by those who chose to heckle him.
13. He decided to heckle his opponent during the debate to throw him off balance.
14. They plan to heckle the mayor during his speech on city reforms.
15. Fans often heckle players of the opposing team at every game.
16. Comedians face those who heckle, turning jeers into laughs.
17. During debates, some politicians heckle rivals to gain edge.
18. Protesters aim to heckle leaders to make their voices heard.
19. In the concert, diehard fans heckle the singer with love notes.
20. Activists will heckle the speaker to spotlight their cause.
21. Crowds can heckle magicians, testing their concentration skills.
22. Students sometimes heckle teachers, seeking attention or fun.
23. Critics often heckle artists, attempting to discredit works.
24. In the theater, purists heckle adaptations with stern critiques.