Charivari
/ˌʃær.ɪˈvɑː.ri/noun
A noisy, mocking public serenade or uproar, especially one used to shame or ridicule someone.
Did you know?In medieval France, a charivari could involve banging pots, horns, and jeering crowds—words and noise were used like a social spell to punish behavior the community rejected.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval French
Old French
charivari
“A noisy uproar or rough music made to mock or shame someone”
Late Latin
Late Latin
caribaria
“A headache or bewilderment; later associated with noisy confusion”
Latin
Latin
carus
“Dear, beloved”
Modern English
English
charivari
“A boisterous mock serenade or noisy public disturbance”