squawk

Meaning

Noun

1. A shrill noise, especially made by a voice or bird. If made by a bird, it typically signals discomfort or anger; a yell, scream, or call.
2. A four-digit transponder code used by aircraft for identification or transmission of emergency signals.
3. (informal) A complaint or objection.
4. An issue or complaint related to aircraft maintenance.
5. The American night heron.
6. (informal) A warning message indicating a possible error.

Verb

1. To make a squawking noise; to yell, scream, or call out shrilly.
2. (slang) To speak out; to protest.
3. (slang) To report an infraction; to rat on or tattle; to disclose a secret.
4. (informal) To produce a warning message, indicating a possible error.
5. To set or transmit a four-digit transponder code. (Normally followed by the specific code in question.)
6. (slang) To back out in a mean way.

Synonyms

screech

squeal

beef

bitch

protest

gripe

cry

😢

scream

😱

complaint

caw

complain

holler

kick

bellyache

screak

shriek

squall

cackle

hollo

croak

skreak

crab

🦀

coo

bawl

skreigh

yawp

yell

grouse

cluck

scratch

caterwaul

quack

halloo

repine at

bellow

bray

call

call out

clack

clamor

clamour

clucking

cry out

expostulation

faultfinding

gobble

grievance

groan

honk

hoot

itch

moan

peck

pipe

plaint

roar

roaring

scrape

shout

shrieking

squeak

tootle

wailing

yelp

shout to

appeal

Pronounced as (IPA)

/skwɔːk/

Etymology

Cognate with Italian: squacco

In summary

First attested in 1821. Unknown, but probably of imitative origin (compare dialectal Italian squacco (“small-crested heron”)).