squawk

== English == === Etymology === First attested in 1821. Unknown, but probably of imitative origin (compare dialectal Italian squacco (“small-crested heron”) and English quack). === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /skwɔːk/ (Standard Southern British, Australian, New Zealand) IPA(key): /skwoːk/ (US) (without the cot–caught merger) IPA(key): /skwɔk/ (cot–caught merger) IPA(key): /skwɑk/ (Scotland) IPA(key): /skwɔk/ Rhymes: -ɔːk === Noun === squawk (plural squawks) 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. (aviation) A four-digit transponder code used by aircraft for identification or transmission of emergency signals. (informal) A complaint or objection. (aviation) An issue or complaint related to aircraft maintenance. The American night heron. (programming, informal) A warning message indicating a possible error. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Verb === squawk (third-person singular simple present squawks, present participle squawking, simple past and past participle squawked) To make a squawking noise; to yell, scream, or call out shrilly. (slang, intransitive) To speak out; to protest. (slang, intransitive) To report an infraction; to rat on or tattle; to disclose a secret. (programming, intransitive, informal) To produce a warning message, indicating a possible error. (aviation) To set or transmit a four-digit transponder code. (Normally followed by the specific code in question.) (US, slang, dated) To back out in a mean way. ==== Conjugation ==== ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Anagrams === quawks