Catcalling is a form of street harassment. It's not supposed to be normal, but it happens so often, starting to girls at such a young age that it has become expected. Men who catcall justify their actions by arguing that it's just a compliment, they're admiring you, they think you're beautiful, that it's harmless.

What does it mean if you get catcalled?

1 : the act of shouting harassing and often sexually suggestive, threatening, or derisive comments at someone publicly Though I seldom witness catcalling or verbal harassment, I've come to understand how constant and burdensome it can be for women, especially when the words used are crude, violent, or degrading.—

What is the purpose of catcalling?

The most frequently reported motivations for catcalling were to flirt with and to express sexual interest in the target, and the most desired reaction from recipients was friendliness.