squawk box

American  

noun

Informal.

1. the speaker of a public-address system or an intercom system; loudspeaker.

2. an intercom system.

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Etymology

Origin of squawk box

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

In the late 1940s, the California chain In-N-Out Burger introduced the two-way squawk box.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2021

“Don’t worry, somebody else will set you straight!” she shouted through her squawk box.

From Salon • Jul. 6, 2018

"Race radio" blared out of a squawk box in excitable French informing teams when a cyclist needed a spare wheel or when riders collided in a "chute".

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2018

JacobTV’s music is catchy and for the most part points out obvious absurdities and gimmicks by turning TV into a giant squawk box with a catchy beat.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2016

The pirate to whom the squawk box was attached bore the brunt of the abuse, as the parrot flapped in a panic around his head.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood