howler

Etymology

howl + -er. Some senses are derivatives of the intensifier "howling", as in "howling wilderness", (Deuteronomy 32:10)

noun

1. That which howls, especially an animal such as a wolf or a howler monkey.
2. (historical) A person hired to howl in mourning at a funeral.
3. (slang) A painfully obvious mistake.
   Given what we know about cognitive psychology, utility maximization is a ludicrous concept; equilibrium pretty foolish outside of financial markets; perfect competition a howler for most industries. 1993, Paul Krugman, How I Work, October 1 1993, in: Paul Krugman, Arguing with Zombies, 2020, p. 402
   I should like to thank Jianmei Piao of the Stanford University Libraries for reading the entire translation and checking it against the Chinese. Jianmei caught some howlers for which I am very grateful. 1997 [1935], William A. Lyell, “A Note on the Translation”, in Zhang Henshui, translated by William A. Lyell, Shanghai Express: A Thirties Novel (Fiction from Modern China; 7), Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, page 259
   A howler is a glaring mistake, a mistake that cries out to be noticed. 2009, Tom Burton, Quadrant, November 2009, No. 461 (Volume LIII, Number 11), Quadrant Magazine Limited, page 78
4. (slang) A hilarious joke.
5. (slang) A bitterly cold day.
6. (psychology) A person who expresses aggression openly in the form of threats.
   Coordinate term: hunter
   Although their behavior does not have the same impact as hunters, howlers nevertheless distract the public figure and compel security and law enforcement […] 2008, J. Reid Meloy, Lorraine Sheridan, Jens Hoffmann, Stalking, Threatening, and Attacking Public Figures, page 121
   Hunters stalk their targets, make detailed plans, acquire and practice with weapons, and try to hurt or kill people. Howlers make bomb threats to schools, malls, churches, businesses, and government offices. 2015, Steve Albrecht, Library Security: Better Communication, Safer Facilities
7. (sometimes figurative) A heavy fall.
8. (slang) A serious accident (especially to come a howler or go a howler; compare come a cropper).
   Our hansom came a howler.
9. (slang) A tremendous lie; a whopper.
10. (slang, dated) A fashionably but extravagantly overdressed man, a "howling swell".
11. (historical) A 32-ounce ceramic, plastic, or stainless steel jug used to transport draft beer.
12. (slang) A small child.
    I wanted Leesa to pick up her children, not Child Protective Services. After thirty minutes, I had the two howlers fed and settled down for naps. 2013, Tyora Moody, Deep Fried Trouble
    What are we doing to our children? But the howlers seem okay, maybe even happy. This makes me feel a little better about the future. 2022, Joe Beine, Dark Eden