howler

== English == === Etymology === From howl +‎ -er. Some senses are derivatives of the intensifier "howling", as in "howling wilderness", (Deuteronomy 32:10) === Pronunciation === (General American) IPA(key): /ˈhaʊlɚ/ (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈhaʊlə/ Rhymes: -aʊlə(ɹ) Hyphenation: howl‧er === Noun === howler (plural howlers) That which howls, especially an animal such as a wolf or a howler monkey. (historical) A person hired to howl in mourning at a funeral. (slang) A painfully obvious mistake. 1993, Paul Krugman, How I Work, October 1 1993, in: Paul Krugman, Arguing with Zombies, 2020, p. 402: Given what we know about cognitive psychology, utility maximization is a ludicrous concept; equilibrium pretty foolish outside of financial markets; perfect competition a howler for most industries. 2009, Tom Burton, Quadrant, November 2009, No. 461 (Volume LIII, Number 11), Quadrant Magazine Limited, page 78: A howler is a glaring mistake, a mistake that cries out to be noticed. (slang) A hilarious joke. (slang) A bitterly cold day. (psychology) A person who expresses aggression openly in the form of threats. Coordinate term: hunter (sometimes figurative) A heavy fall. (slang) A serious accident (especially to come a howler or go a howler; compare come a cropper). (slang) A tremendous lie (especially an obvious one); a whopper. (slang, dated) A fashionably but extravagantly overdressed man, a "howling swell". (historical) A 32-ounce ceramic, plastic, or stainless steel jug used to transport draft beer. (slang) A small child. ==== Derived terms ==== calamity howler black howler ursine howler ==== Translations ==== === References === === Anagrams === Wohler, wholer