heckle
HEK-uhl
/ˈhɛkəl/
To interrupt a public speaker or performer with derisive or aggressive comments, questions, or taunts.
Implies a hostile, public, and disruptive form of questioning meant to embarrass or silence the speaker.
The story behind the word. Originally, a 'heckle' was a sharp-toothed comb used to clean and separate flax fibers. In 18th-century Scotland, the flax-dressers (hecklers) were famous for being highly radical, politically active, and extremely argumentative. When politicians came to speak, these 'hecklers' would tear their arguments apart just like they combed through flax, giving us the modern meaning.
Word relationships
- jeer: Jeer is to make rude and mocking remarks, while heckle specifically involves interrupting a performance or speech, often with challenging questions.
- taunt: Taunt is to insult someone to provoke a reaction, whereas heckling is specifically aimed at disrupting a public presentation.
- cheer: To shout approval or encouragement.
- applaud: To show approval by clapping quietly or loudly.
Commonly confused with
- hassle: To hassle is to annoy or harass someone with constant inconveniences, while to heckle is to publicly interrupt a speaker.
Word family
- heckler (noun): A person who heckles a speaker or performer.
- heckling (noun): The act of shouting disruptive comments.
Collocations
- heckle a speaker
- get heckled
- heckle relentlessly
Example sentences
- "The comedian handled the crowd member who tried to heckle him with a quick-witted comeback." A stand-up comedian dealing with a disruptive audience member.
- "Protesters gathered at the back of the hall to heckle the candidate during his opening remarks." A political rally where opponents disrupt the speech.
Memory hook
A 'heckler' makes the speaker's 'heckles' (hackles) rise in anger. Making the speaker's hackles rise.
When not to use
Do not use for private, polite, or structured questioning.
Fun facts
- The trade of flax-dressing is long gone, but the word 'heckle' remains a permanent part of political and theatrical vocabulary.
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