Wolf-whistling

"Catcall" redirects here. For the novel, see Catcall (novel).

Wolf-whistling or finger whistling is a type of whistling in which fingers are inserted in the mouth to produce a louder and more penetrating tone.

A wolf-whistle is a two-toned sound (like 'whip-woo') commonly made using the above technique to show approval of something or someone (originally a person thought to be sexually attractive).  fingerless wolf whistle

The wolf-whistle originates from the navy General Call made with a boatswain's pipe. The general call is made on a ship to get the attention of all hands for an announcement. Sailors in harbour would whistle the general call when seeing a pretty woman to draw fellow sailors' attention to her. It was eventually picked up by passers-by, not knowing the real meaning of the whistle, and passed on. Over time, the precise tones of the general call were flattened somewhat into the wolf whistle common today.^{[citation needed]}

Technique

Although the "wolf-whistle" or "wolf-call" sound can be produced using a conventional whistling technique, a louder and more effective form is usually used. To produce a wolf-whistle, one or more fingers are inserted into the mouth to shape the opening, allowing a forceful stream of air to be blown through.

Generally, the more air forced through the mouth, the louder the whistle.

External links

• How to Whistle Loudly