heckle
UK[ˈhɛk(ə)l]US[ˈhɛkəl]
v
To interrupt a performer or public speaker with annoying or aggressive comments or questions.
Morpheme Breakdown
heckle
heckle
Etymology
The modern meaning of 'heckle' evolved through a vivid metaphorical shift. The word entered English from Middle Dutch hekelen or Middle Low German hekelen, meaning 'to comb with a heckle,' a tool for splitting and cleaning flax fibers. This act of teasing apart fibers was figuratively applied by the early 19th century to the act of teasing or harassing a person, particularly a public speaker, with persistent, combative questions meant to 'pick them apart.' Thus, the journey is from a concrete, domestic task involving a tool to an abstract social behavior involving verbal interruption and harassment.
Analysis
Structure: heckle
This word is a simplex form. It is a loanword from Middle English hekelen, meaning to comb flax or hemp with a heckle (a tool with metal spikes). Its functional role is as a complete verb.
Examples
The comedian was prepared to heckle anyone in the audience who tried to interrupt his routine.
Some politicians hire security to remove people who attempt to heckle them during speeches.
It's considered poor etiquette to heckle the players during a tennis match.