Wolf-whistling or finger whistling is a type of whistling in which fingers are inserted above the curled tongue to produce a louder and more penetrating tone.
A wolf-whistle is a resonant sound commonly made using the above the curled tongue to show high interest or approval of something or someone (originally a girl or woman thought to be physically/sexually attractive). Today, in the world, wolf-whistling is often considered a precursor to sexual harassment. Wolf whistling was also used by gangsters before bullying.
According to Adam Edwards of Daily Express, the wolf-whistle originates from the navy General Call made with a boatswain's pipe. The general call is made on a ship to get the attention of all hands for an announcement. Sailors in harbour would whistle the general call upon seeing a sexy, attractive woman to draw fellow sailors' attention to her. It was eventually picked up by passers-by, not knowing the real meaning of the whistle, and passed on. Doubt was cast upon this explanation by lexicographer Grant Barrett who noted that it was very thinly supported during a 2015 broadcast of A Way with Words.
References
External links
- The dictionary definition of wolf whistle at Wiktionary
