Basic Details
Word: Heckled
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To interrupt a speaker with rude comments or questions, usually during a performance or speech.
Synonyms: Jeered, taunted, mocked
Antonyms: Supported, applauded, encouraged
Idioms and Phrases
- Heckled to the core: To be interrupted and interrupted repeatedly, making it difficult to continue. Example: "The comedian was heckled to the core that night, but he handled it with humour."
- Heckling from the sidelines: To offer critical comments or disruptions without being directly involved. Example: "During the debate, some students were heckling from the sidelines, making it hard to focus."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The speaker struggled to finish his points as the audience began to heckle him loudly.
Example 2: Even though she was nervous, she managed to ignore the hecklers and deliver a fantastic speech.
Example 3: At the concert, the singer was heckled by a few fans who wanted to hear his older songs.
Fun Fact
The term "heckle" has its origins in the late 17th century from the Scottish word "heck" which meant "to comb flax". It later developed a more negative connotation related to disrupting speech or performance.
Famous Quote
"The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart." Robert Green Ingersoll
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "heckled" mean?
a) To support a performer
b) To interrupt a speaker with rude comments
c) To applaud loudly
d) To leave quietly
Answer: b) To interrupt a speaker with rude comments
2. Which of these is a synonym of "heckled"?
a) Supported
b) Jeered
c) Encouraged
d) Applauded
Answer: b) Jeered
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "heckled"?
a) Taunted
b) Mocked
c) Applauded
d) Jeered
Answer: c) Applauded
4. Which sentence uses "heckled" correctly?
a) The performer was heckled and won an award.
b) The audience heckled the performer with cheers.
c) The audience heckled the speaker, making it hard to hear.
d) She heckled her book on the desk.
Answer: c) The audience heckled the speaker, making it hard to hear.
5. Which idiom refers to being disrupted while speaking?
a) Heckled to the core
b) On cloud nine
c) Lost in thought
d) A breath of fresh air
Answer: a) Heckled to the core
