Basic Details
Word: Heckler
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person who interrupts a speaker by shouting rude comments or asking annoying questions.
Synonyms: Interrupter, Troublemaker, Agitator
Antonyms: Supporter, Listener, Encourager
Idioms and Phrases
- Heckle from the sidelines: To comment or shout interruptions while someone else is performing or speaking. Example: "The comedian tried to stay focused, but there were some hecklers in the audience who wouldnt stop heckling from the sidelines."
- Don't feed the heckler: Advice suggesting that one should not respond to annoying or disruptive comments to avoid encouraging such behaviour. Example: "When the heckler started shouting, the speaker remembered to not feed the heckler and continued with his talk."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The heckler in the crowd made it difficult for the magician to perform his tricks without interruption.
Example 2: Some audiences can be very supportive, while others may have a few hecklers who cause distractions during the show.
Example 3: The town hall meeting was interrupted by a heckler who disagreed with the mayor's proposal.
Fun Fact
The term "heckler" originated in the 16th century from the word "heckle," which was used to describe the process of combing flax to separate the fibres, much like how a heckler interrupts to 'break up' a speaker's flow.
Famous Quote
"A heckler is the minds way of saying, 'I need to be heard too!'" - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "heckler" mean?
a) A type of food
b) A person who interrupts a speaker
c) A kind of tool
d) A type of animal
Answer: b) A person who interrupts a speaker
2. Which of these is a synonym of "heckler"?
a) Listener
b) Supporter
c) Interrupter
d) Worker
Answer: c) Interrupter
3. Which sentence uses "heckler" correctly?
a) The heckler made a beautiful painting.
b) The heckler shouted during the performance, disrupting the flow.
c) The heckler danced gracefully at the party.
d) The heckler cooked a delicious dinner.
Answer: b) The heckler shouted during the performance, disrupting the flow.
4. What does the idiom "Don't feed the heckler" mean?
a) To encourage someone to eat more food.
b) To respond to someone annoying is unwise.
c) To provide snacks to a performer.
d) To support someone's cause.
Answer: b) To respond to someone annoying is unwise.
5. What is the opposite of "heckler"?
a) Listener
b) Troublemaker
c) Interrupter
d) Agitator
Answer: a) Listener
