makes a high-pitched, sharp sound, often from excitement or distress.
From Middle English 'squelen,' possibly from Old Norse 'squilja' (to squeal). The word has always imitated the high-pitched sound itself.
High-pitched squealing is universal across animals—it signals distress or excitement—which is why both pigs and excited children make similar sounds, and why horror movies use high-pitched audio to scare us!
Squealing has been coded as feminine/childish since 18th century; associated with weakness, hysteria, and lack of emotional control—reinforcing stereotypes that women are shrill and irrational.
Use 'exclamation,' 'high-pitched cry,' or 'shriek' descriptively; avoid 'squeals' as judgment of behavior, especially if gendered.
["exclaims","cries out","shouts","vocalization"]
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