Any name for this anti-social behaviour?

[Mehrgan]

Hi,
What do we call it when somebody makes hoax calls, or when they ring somebody but don't speak, make funny sounds, or even sometimes threaten, just to have fun?!

And, for those (men, I suppose!) who follow a person of the opposite sex, either to persuade them to talk to them, or to bother them? (not a creative method, of course!)


Thanks a lot.

 

[awebuser]

I am not a teacher.

Hi There

The second anti-social behaviour you describe is known as 'stalking'. The person doing this is a 'stalker'.

 

[Abstract Idea]

----- Not an ESL teacher -----

Hi,
What do we call it when somebody makes hoax calls, or when they ring somebody but don't speak, make funny sounds, or even sometimes threaten, just to have fun?!

I usually call it "prank call".
Take a look at its wikipedia page: Prank call - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Incidentally, it can be part of one's tools for learning foreign languages, if you are in short of native speakers to practice with.

I don't know the answer to your second question, let us wait for someone else's reply.

 

[lauralie2]

The first one is called "a crank call", and the second one, well, the guy is "creepy". He's a "a creepy guy".

 

[BobK]

...

I usually call it "prank call".
Take a look at its wikipedia page: Prank call - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia...

That's a phrase I've met mostly on US crime dramas. The usual expression over here is 'hoax call' (to, say, the Fire Brigade) or 'nuisance call'.

If the stalker doesn't say anything, he's called 'a heavy breather'.

b

 

[Abstract Idea]

That's a phrase I've met mostly on US crime dramas. The usual expression over here is 'hoax call' (to, say, the Fire Brigade) or 'nuisance call'.

If the stalker doesn't say anything, he's called 'a heavy breather'.

b

Thanks BobK!

So "prank call" is not common in the UK.
But I think it is used in the US.

And on the other way round, I ask our American friends, is "hoax call" also commonly used in the US ?