catcall

The compound word 'catcall' is a relatively modern English formation, first attested in the mid-17th century. It originated in the theatrical context, where a small noisemaker, sometimes called a "cat-pipe," was used to produce a shrill, squealing sound to express disapproval during a performance, mimicking the harsh cry of a cat. By the mid-18th century, the term evolved to denote the human vocal imitation of that sound—a shrill whistle or shout. The logic of the word is transparently metaphorical, combining 'cat' for the perceived quality of the sound with 'call' for the vocal act, its meaning later narrowing to focus specifically on harassing or derisive calls made in public spaces.

Structure: cat + call cat: (Old English, Germanic) The animal, used here to imply a sound like a cat's cry. call: (Old English, Germanic) A shout or cry.