caterwaul
KAT-er-wawl
/ˈkæt.ə.wɔːl/
To make a shrill, howling, or wailing noise like that of a cat in heat; to protest or complain noisily.
Highly derogatory. It implies a sound that is not only loud and high-pitched but also incredibly annoying, discordant, and pathetic.
The story behind the word. Formed in the late Middle Ages by combining 'cat' with the Low German word 'wailen' (to wail). It was specifically coined to describe the horrific, screeching duels that alley cats perform at night when fighting or mating.
Word relationships
- wail: Wail can express genuine grief or sorrow, whereas caterwaul is almost always used mockingly or critically.
- howl: Howl is a deep, prolonged crying sound, while caterwaul is specifically shrill and cat-like.
- harmonize: Harmonize means to produce pleasing, coordinated musical sounds, the opposite of caterwauling.
Commonly confused with
- cataract: A cataract is a large waterfall or a medical condition affecting the eye, unrelated to vocal sounds.
Word family
- caterwauling (noun/adjective): The act of making shrill, howling noises; screeching.
Collocations
- caterwaul in the night
- ceaseless caterwaul
- caterwaul of complaints
Example sentences
- "The band's lead singer did nothing but caterwaul into the microphone all night." Describing terrible singing or music.
- "Instead of finding a solution, they chose to caterwaul about the new office regulations." Describing a group of people complaining annoyingly.
Memory hook
Think of a 'cat' on a 'wall' making a terrible 'wail'—cat-er-waul. A cat wailing on a wall.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a powerful, impressive, or dignified shout. It is strictly for irritating, whiny, or animalistic wailing.
Fun facts
- Shakespeare used the word in 'Twelfth Night', where Sir Toby Belch asks, 'What a caterwauling do you keep here!' to complain about noisy late-night singing.
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