squawk

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'squawk' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe an unpleasant or high-pitched sound, like the cry of a bird. For example, "The crows squawked loudly all morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

One of the problems about being a woman in politics is that a man can shout, but if a woman increases the volume of her voice she tends to squawk, so she got a great deal of help in how to raise her voice without squawking.

The Guardian

But Mr Breton may be hoping to raise such a squawk that Mittal chooses to back off.

The Economist

Local bloggers may squawk about content wanting to be free.

The Economist

He saw people as puppets, controlled by some pitiless force much as he, in boyhood, had controlled his own marionettes in his toy theatre, making Mr Punch jibber and squawk in nonsense-language.

The Economist

The firm says the money will be used for "general corporate purposes", whatever that means.Corporate-governance scolds will squawk if Sinopec uses the $3 billion to buy upstream assets.

The Economist

From within, loudspeakers squawk sermons and bursts of martial music.This week happens also to be the 25th anniversary of the liberation of Khorramshahr, a bloody Iranian victory during the eight-year "imposed war" against Iraq.

The Economist

Another squawk came from a senior member of the lower house of parliament, Vasil Khrol.

The Economist

Rather, its menagerie of aid initiatives, plans and funds must chirp, gobble and squawk each year for whatever crumbs Congress deigns to toss their way.At Gleneagles, for example, George Bush proposed to double American aid to sub-Saharan Africa (from $3.4 billion in 2004) by 2010.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is almost lost in the din of human shouts as traders call out bids to one another or turn up the volume on squawk-boxes connecting this dealing-room with those of clients.

The Economist

One of his best discoveries was the squawk-voiced, faux-dumb blonde Judy Holliday, who displays an astonishing comic virtuosity — both verbal and physical — in "Born Yesterday," from 1950, as a gangster's moll who gets an education from a scholarly journalist.

The New Yorker

America's spying agencies cannot function if their employees squawk and, when "mass leaking" has become politically fashionable and technically feasible, deterrents are needed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "squawk" to describe sharp, often unpleasant vocalizations, whether from people or animals, and when denoting the transmission of a transponder code in aviation contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "squawk" as a generic term for all types of complaints. It specifically implies a loud, often shrill, objection, not a quiet or reasoned argument.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "squawk" is a verb, describing the act of making a loud, harsh noise or uttering a shrill complaint. It can also function as a noun, referring to the sound itself or, in aviation, a transponder code.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "squawk" is a versatile term that functions primarily as a verb and noun, denoting a harsh, loud cry or complaint. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also present in encyclopedic and scientific sources, its register varies from neutral to informal depending on context. Use "squawk" when you need to describe a sharp, unpleasant sound or a noisy complaint, especially when it's not a reasoned argument. Remember, in aviation, it takes on a specific technical meaning related to transponder codes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complain loudly

Emphasizes the act of complaining with a high degree of volume.

protest vociferously

Highlights a strong and loud expression of disagreement or disapproval.

raise an outcry

Suggests a public expression of strong disapproval or protest.

make a racket

Focuses on the creation of a loud and disruptive noise, often implying a disturbance.

voice objections

Indicates the act of expressing disagreement or opposition.

express discontent

Highlights the communication of dissatisfaction or unhappiness.

cry out

Focuses on a sudden, loud vocalization, potentially expressing pain or protest.

yell

A general term for shouting or screaming, often conveying strong emotion.

screech

Specifically refers to a high-pitched, piercing cry or sound.

squeal

Similar to screech, but often associated with excitement or fear.

FAQs

How can "squawk" be used in a sentence?

You can use "squawk" to describe a bird's cry, as in "The parrot began to "squawk" loudly", or to describe someone complaining, like "The shareholders began to "squawk" about the company's losses".

What words are similar to "squawk"?

Similar words include "complain loudly", "protest vociferously", or "make a racket", each carrying slightly different nuances of sound or complaint.

Is it correct to use "squawk" to describe a formal protest?

While "squawk" implies a vocal protest, it often suggests a less formal or more chaotic expression of discontent. For formal protests, consider words like "object", "demonstrate", or "appeal".

What does "squawk" mean in aviation terms?

In aviation, "squawk" refers to setting or transmitting a four-digit transponder code for aircraft identification or emergency signals. For example, "The pilot was instructed to "squawk 7700" to signal an emergency".