Whistling vs. booing
Following up my other whistling-related complaint today, I’d like to register a strong vote against “whistling as jeering.” I’ve watched several World Cup matches and been reminded that the rest of the world doesn’t know how to boo.
Whistling is totally lame. It doesn’t sound angry or offended at all. Jeer-type whistling sounds like a bird’s mating call. That’s not intimidating. That’s not angry. That’s wimpy.
Booing, on the other hand, is loud, hairy-chested, and manly. It steps up in an unequivocal, apelike, pre-language fashion and communicates: “That call sucked.”
For the Europeans reading this, I’ve developed a handy rule.
- Whistle at women.
- Boo to bitch.
And there’s even a misogynistic joke in there somewhere!
p.s. John agrees with me. If you’re a self-respecting American, you should too!
June 14th, 2006 at 11:02 pm
tom..good post. but let’s just make some predictions about any possible comments 1) people telling you that you don’t understand other cultures, and to show dissaproval, whistling is a fine reaction (not true) 2) people offended by your funny rule.
June 15th, 2006 at 5:04 am
I’ve never watched the World Cup, but I can’t imagine what it sounds like to hear a crowd whistling to express disapproval.
I’d like to hear a nice, rhythmix “You suck! *taptaptap* You suck! *taptaptap*”
That’d be fun.
By the way, your rule is creative, but lacks a memorable amount of spunk.
June 15th, 2006 at 8:26 am
Klikx, I’m open to revisions to the rule!
June 15th, 2006 at 7:30 pm
After putting a bit more thought into my comment, I realized where the spunk needed to go: the particles.
See how this one sounds:
Whistle for women, boo for bitching.
It’s even in single-sentence form, too!
June 15th, 2006 at 8:49 pm
Yes! Better!