How Do You Spell HECKLING?

Pronunciation: [hˈɛklɪŋ] (IPA)

The word "heckling" is a verb that means to interrupt or disturb someone with questions, comments, or insults. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈhɛklɪŋ/, meaning "HEK-ling". This word has a silent 'k', which is typical for words of Anglo-Saxon origin. Additionally, the 'c' is pronounced as an 'k' sound before the 'l'. Despite its unconventional spelling, "heckling" is a common word used in the context of political speeches, debates, or public events where the speaker is subject to criticism or resistance.

HECKLING Meaning and Definition

  1. Heckling is a term used to describe an interactive form of dissent or disruptive behavior aimed at public speakers, performers, or presentations, typically characterized by loud, interruptive remarks or criticisms. It is a practice often associated with live performances, political rallies, or public debates where audience members express their disagreement or dissatisfaction with the speaker's message or performance.

    In essence, heckling involves the act of shouting comments, insults, or questions at the speaker with the intention of challenging their ideas or undermining their credibility. It can encompass a wide range of behaviors, from constructive questioning to hostile and derogatory remarks. Hecklers may attempt to disrupt the speaker's train of thought, ridicule their arguments, or simply express opposition to their viewpoint.

    Heckling can be seen as a form of free speech, allowing individuals to voice their opinions or disagreements publicly. However, it is often considered disruptive and disrespectful to both the speaker and the rest of the audience. Consequently, event organizers or moderators may try to control or prevent heckling by setting ground rules or ejecting persistent hecklers.

    While heckling is usually associated with negative connotations, it has occasionally been used to add a comedic element to performances, particularly in stand-up comedy. Skilled comedians may engage with hecklers, turning their interruptions into clever retorts or playful banter for entertainment purposes.

    Overall, heckling involves the act of interrupting a speaker or performer with the aim of expressing disagreement, challenging their arguments, or simply creating disruption within a public setting.

  2. Act or process of preparing flax; in Scot., a rough off-hand way of questioning a candidate for a seat in Parliament as to his views and principles.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for HECKLING *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for HECKLING

Etymology of HECKLING

The word "heckling" is derived from the noun "heckle", which originated in the late 16th century. Its etymology can be traced back to an Old English word "heacel", which meant "flax comb" or "a serrated tool for dressing flax". In the 15th century, "heckle" was used as a verb to describe the action of combing flax with a heckle. In the 19th century, the term transitioned to a metaphorical sense when it started to be used to describe the act of interrupting or challenging a speaker or performer by shouting critical or mocking comments. Thus, "heckling" emerged as a noun form of the verb "heckle", specifically denoting the act of interrupting or challenging someone during a public event or performance.

Similar spelling words for HECKLING

Plural form of HECKLING is HECKLINGS

Conjugate verb Heckling

CONDITIONAL

I would heckle
we would heckle
you would heckle
he/she/it would heckle
they would heckle

FUTURE

I will heckle
we will heckle
you will heckle
he/she/it will heckle
they will heckle

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have heckled
we will have heckled
you will have heckled
he/she/it will have heckled
they will have heckled

PAST

I heckled
we heckled
you heckled
he/she/it heckled
they heckled

PAST PERFECT

I had heckled
we had heckled
you had heckled
he/she/it had heckled
they had heckled

PRESENT

I heckle
we heckle
you heckle
he/she/it heckles
they heckle

PRESENT PERFECT

I have heckled
we have heckled
you have heckled
he/she/it has heckled
they have heckled
I am heckling
we are heckling
you are heckling
he/she/it is heckling
they are heckling
I was heckling
we were heckling
you were heckling
he/she/it was heckling
they were heckling
I will be heckling
we will be heckling
you will be heckling
he/she/it will be heckling
they will be heckling
I have been heckling
we have been heckling
you have been heckling
he/she/it has been heckling
they have been heckling
I had been heckling
we had been heckling
you had been heckling
he/she/it had been heckling
they had been heckling
I will have been heckling
we will have been heckling
you will have been heckling
he/she/it will have been heckling
they will have been heckling
I would have heckled
we would have heckled
you would have heckled
he/she/it would have heckled
they would have heckled
I would be heckling
we would be heckling
you would be heckling
he/she/it would be heckling
they would be heckling
I would have been heckling
we would have been heckling
you would have been heckling
he/she/it would have been heckling
they would have been heckling

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