A howler is a glaring, embarrassing, or ridiculous mistake, usually of speech or writing. It signifies an obvious blunder that causes amusement, consternation, or both. The term often implies a lack of attention to detail or a misunderstanding of basic principles. It can also refer to an animal, particularly a monkey, known for its loud calls. However, the primary definition centers on the comical nature of an unintentional error. Often, the person who made the howler is the last to realize it, adding another layer of comedic potential to the situation.
Howler meaning with examples
- During the televised debate, the candidate made a major howler when he claimed to have served as president of the United States. The audience immediately erupted in laughter and the debate was temporarily halted as the candidate's team rushed on stage. The other candidate was unable to recover as he was laughing at the howler.
- In the editor's haste to meet the deadline, they included a howler in the article, attributing the quote to the wrong historical figure. The publication quickly issued a retraction, but the error was widely circulated on social media, becoming a source of great amusement for those who had spotted the howler.
- The student's essay contained a series of howlers, including factual inaccuracies and illogical arguments, causing the teacher to question the student's grasp of the subject matter. Despite these howlers, the student insisted their work deserved an A+, because the student was confused and misunderstood the assignment.
- The comedian's act was filled with calculated howlers, intended to elicit laughter through self-deprecating humor and exaggerated misstatements. The audience roared with laughter at each intentionally absurd howler, and the comedian would exaggerate the joke further for the laugh.
Howler Crossword Answers
3 Letters
WOW
4 Letters
RIOT
5 Letters
HYENA GAFFE
6 Letters
COYOTE SCREAM
7 Letters
MISTAKE
10 Letters
BELLYLAUGH
12 Letters
HOWLERMONKEY SIDESPLITTER THIGHSLAPPER