The opposite of a "dogwhistle" in speech. A catwhistle is a signal word or phrase that causes the listener to discount what's being said, or ignore whatever follows. Often, a catwhistle to one audience is a dogwhistle to another audience.
"Unfortunately, the phrase 'Building 7' has become a real catwhistle in discussions about 9/11."
"Everytime this guy speaks, I'm interested until he starts mentioning 'The Elites'-- it's a total catwhistle."
"Referring to women as 'females' is an excellent way to catwhistle whatever follows."
"Everytime this guy speaks, I'm interested until he starts mentioning 'The Elites'-- it's a total catwhistle."
"Referring to women as 'females' is an excellent way to catwhistle whatever follows."
by Kauffy October 14, 2018