Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cry or call out in a loud, harsh, and often plaintive or complaining manner, typically used to describe the sound made by sheep or goats.
   • To utter a sound or speak in a way that is perceived as loud, crude, or insensitive.

Usage

• The verb blat is used to describe the characteristic vocalization of certain animals, most commonly sheep and goats. It can also be applied figuratively to people to describe speaking in a loud, brash, or tactless way.
• It is an intransitive verb (it does not take a direct object).

Examples

• Animal Sound:
  • From the hillside, we could hear the lost lamb blat for its mother.
  • The goats began to blat loudly when the farmer approached with their feed.
• Figurative Use (Human):
  • He would just blat his opinions without considering anyone else's feelings.
  • The politician continued to blat nonsense during the interview.

Advanced Usage

• "to blat out": To utter something suddenly and loudly.
  • He blatted out the secret before he could stop himself.

Variants and Related Words

• Blatting (n): The act or sound of blatting.
  • The constant blatting from the pen was overwhelming.
• Blatter (n, rare): One who blats.

Synonyms

• Bleat: (for animals) The most direct synonym, specifically for the cry of a sheep or goat.
• Bawl: To cry out loudly and vigorously.
• Bellow: To emit a deep, loud roar.
• Vociferate: To shout, speak, or cry out loudly and vehemently.

Antonyms

• Whisper: To speak very softly.
• Murmur: To make a low, continuous, indistinct sound.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• While not a common component of idioms, the figurative use of blat often carries a negative connotation of insensitive or obnoxious noise.
  • He's not persuading anyone; he's just blatting.

Verb

1. cry plaintively
   • The lambs were bleating