Siffla (en. Whistled)

/sif.la/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
verb
To make a noise by inhaling or exhaling, often associated with effort or invective.
He whistled to attract the attention of passersby.
Il siffla pour attirer l'attention des passants.
To use a whistle to produce a sound.
The referee blew the whistle to signal the end of the match.
Le juge siffla pour marquer la fin du match.
To express a negative reaction towards someone, often during a performance.
The spectators whistled when they did not appreciate the performance.
Les spectateurs sifflaient lorsqu'ils n'appréciaient pas la performance.

Etymology

From Old French 'sifler', of onomatopoeic origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to whistle like a bird
To be very happy or carefree.
siffler comme un oiseau
to whistle between one's teeth
To make a discreet sound by whistling.
siffler entre ses dents
to whistle to pass the time
To keep occupied by doing something simple.
siffler pour passer le temps

Related Words

whistler
A person who whistles.
siffleur
whistling
The action of whistling.
sifflement
whistle
An instrument used to whistle.
sifflet

Slang Meanings

To make noise casually.
He whistles all the time while walking.
Il siffle tout le temps en marchant.
To express discontent by whistling.
They whistled at the politician during his speech.
Ils ont sifflé le politicien pendant son discours.