<P> A wolf whistle is a distinctive two - note whistled sound made to show high interest in or approval of something or someone, especially a woman viewed as physically or sexually attractive . Today, a wolf whistle directed at a woman is sometimes considered a precursor to sexual harassment, or a form of sexual harassment in itself . </P> <P> According to Adam Edwards of Daily Express, 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 upon seeing an attractive 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 . During a 2015 broadcast of A Way with Words, doubt was cast upon this explanation by lexicographer Grant Barrett, who noted that it was very thinly supported . The Turn To Call is far closer to the wolf whistle than the General Call . </P>

Where did the term wolf whistle come from
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