wolf-call
Definition
Noun: - A loud whistle or shout made by a man to express sexual attraction or appreciation toward a woman, often considered crude or harassing in modern contexts. This term is primarily used in informal American English.
Usage Examples
- (A loud, appreciative whistle from men.)
- (She paid no attention to the crude shout of admiration.)
Advanced Usage
"to give a wolf-call": to make such a whistle or shout.
- He gave a wolf-call from across the street. (He whistled loudly to show attraction.)
"wolf-call" as a verb (less common): to whistle or shout in this manner.
- The man wolf-called at the passing jogger. (He made a crude whistle of appreciation.)
Variants and Related Words
Wolf whistle (n): a specific two-note whistle used similarly, often synonymous with wolf-call.
- A wolf whistle followed her down the street. (A distinctive, appreciative whistle.)
Wolfish (adj): resembling a wolf in behavior or appearance, often implying predatory or lecherous tendencies.
- His wolfish grin made her uncomfortable. (A grin suggesting predatory interest.)
Synonyms
- Catcall: a loud whistle or comment of a sexual nature, typically directed at someone passing by.
- Whistle: a high-pitched sound made by pursing the lips, used here to express attraction.
Related Idioms
- Wolf down: to eat something very quickly and greedily.
- He wolfed down his dinner in five minutes. (He ate it hastily, like a hungry wolf.)
Note: The idiom "wolf down" is unrelated to "wolf-call" but shares the "wolf" root.