heckling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heckling" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of interrupting a speaker or performer with derisive comments or questions, often in a public setting. Example: "The comedian struggled to maintain his routine due to the constant heckling from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But student leaders appear little interested in what would probably be small tweaks.They also seem little deterred by heckling from angry groups of residents who have grown tired of the prolonged disruption to traffic and business.

The Economist

Heckling by members of the studio audience left Philip Lader, the former American ambassador, visibly upset.

The Economist

And yet there was something uniquely ominous in the air, as visceral and ferocious anti-Japanese sentiment boiled over.After booing and heckling the Japanese team (and the Japanese national anthem) in the stadium, thousands of Chinese fans massed outside, many chanting vile and violent anti-Japanese curses, clashing with police, fighting, and throwing rubbish.

The Economist

Scenes caught on camera in February showed a crowd yelling and heckling a mainland woman and her crying daughter.

The Economist

"THEY can't be Japanese!" a journalist from Tokyo whispered caustically into your correspondent's ear on hearing the uncharacteristic volume of shouting and heckling at a well-attended town-hall meeting.

The Economist

And it means that, to vent our anger, we get our revenge in small ways – shouting at a traffic warden, yelling down the phone, heckling at a meeting, berating strangers – or even attacking them – just for the way they look at us.

Independent

And as for inviting speakers to their conferences and then heckling and jeering because they don't like what they say, like the very worst year nine class on a wet Friday afternoon … What sort of example is that for their pupils?

Independent

Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington, was shouting and heckling like it was 2013.

Independent

Mr Bloom found himself in hot water with party chiefs after heckling from the sidelines during a fringe event at the conference to discuss the issue of gender quotas.

Independent

Former Conservative MP Mark Reckless has been sworn in as Ukip's second Member of Parliament this morning, but his taking of the oath was marred by heckling from the Labour benches.

Independent

The video shows various Russians heckling the pair as they walk hand-in-hand around Moscow.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation involving "heckling", be specific about the nature and intensity of the disruption. Use descriptive language to convey the impact on the speaker or event.

Common error

Avoid using "heckling" to describe mild or playful banter. "Heckling" implies a level of hostility or disruption that may not be present in less intense interactions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "heckling" is as a noun, referring to the act of interrupting someone with derisive or aggressive comments. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a valid and commonly used term. It can also function as a verb in its present participle form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heckling" is a grammatically sound and very common term, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, used to describe the act of disrupting a speaker with derisive comments. Predominantly found in News & Media, it carries a neutral to informal tone. When writing about incidents of "heckling", be sure to accurately portray the severity of the situation, and avoid using it to describe minor banter. Consider alternatives like "jeering" or "taunting" for nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jeering

Emphasizes mocking and derisive shouting.

jeering and taunting

Combines two forms of disruptive behavior for emphasis.

taunting

Highlights the intent to provoke or irritate through mocking remarks.

booing

Focuses on expressing disapproval through a loud, collective sound.

hooting

Involves making loud, often derisive, calls or shouts.

interrupting

Describes the act of breaking into someone's speech with comments.

disrupting

Broadly refers to disturbing the flow of a performance or speech.

harassment

Indicates persistent and aggressive unwanted behavior.

verbal abuse

Highlights the use of offensive language to attack someone.

catcalling

Usually associated with making sexually suggestive comments or sounds.

FAQs

How to use "heckling" in a sentence?

Use "heckling" to describe the act of interrupting a speaker or performer with critical or mocking comments. For example, "The speaker struggled to continue due to the constant "heckling" from the audience".

What can I say instead of "heckling"?

You can use alternatives like "jeering", "taunting", or "booing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "heckling" or "interrupting"?

"Heckling" implies a more aggressive and derisive form of interruption. While "interrupting" is a broader term, "heckling" specifically refers to disruptive and critical comments.

What's the difference between "heckling" and "criticism"?

"Heckling" is a disruptive and often derisive form of interruption, while "criticism" is a more reasoned and constructive evaluation, typically offered in a less disruptive manner.