Heckle

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈhÉ›kÉ™l/
• Rhymes: -É›kÉ™l

Origin

Transferred usage of hekelen (to comb flax or hemp with a heckle), from Middle English hekele (a comb for flax or hemp), from Middle Dutch hekelen (to prickle, irritate), from Proto-Germanic *hakilōną (related to hackle)

Full definition of heckle

Verb

1. (transitive) To question harshly in an attempt to find or reveal weaknesses. from later 18th c.
2. (transitive) To insult, tease, make fun of or badger.Promise that you won't heckle me after my performance.

Related terms

• heckler