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Definition 2024

heckler

heckler

English

Noun

heckler ‎(plural hecklers)

  1. Agent noun of heckle; one who heckles; somebody who insults, makes fun of, or teases.
    The juggler always seemed to have a heckler or two in the crowd on Saturdays.

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Etymology

The word "heckler" is derived from the name given to Scottish textile workers who combed flax for processing. As they began to unionize in the early 19th century, the militant hecklers would interrupt the morning news reading by their co-workers. The word became associated with individuals who would shout out questions or insults to reveal truths that the person giving information would otherwise try to conceal or avoid.

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