Literary notes about Squawk (AI summary)
The term squawk functions in literature as an onomatopoeic device that vividly captures abrupt, harsh sounds—often those of birds but also of human or mechanical origin. It is used to evoke the startled cry of a hen scattering from the barn yard [1] or to characterize the parrot’s discordant call that punctuates a scene [2]. At times, the word extends metaphorically to describe human exclamations, ranging from a frustrated outburst [3] to an indignant, nasal remark [4]. Whether representing the frantic noise of nature or the disruptive interjection in conversation, squawk intensifies the sensory landscape of the narrative, imbuing the moment with energy and urgency [5, 6].
- Before Penny could resume the subject, chickens began to squawk and scatter in the barn yard.
— from Hoofbeats on the Turnpike by Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt - It began uttering, in the modulated form consonant with its size, the discordant squawk of the parrot.
— from Tom Slade at Temple Camp by Percy Keese Fitzhugh - "Oh, yes," sneered Jane, "you'll run away and squawk as you always do, and leave me to my fate."
— from Birds and All Nature, Vol. 6, No. 3, October 1899 Illustrated by Color Photography by Various - And his voice was a dry, nasal, querulous squawk—a sound more avian than human.
— from The Landloper: The Romance of a Man on Foot by Holman Day - The Honorable Pulaski D. Britt accepted the invitation with alacrity, and dealt the kick with a vigor that fetched a squawk from the teamster.
— from King Spruce, A Novel by Holman Day - Captain Klaus' hoarse squawk broke the morning stillness, and a second later there was an answering call from Hans.
— from The Spell of the White Sturgeon by Jim Kjelgaard
