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

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 Literature

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

From Seattle Times

He has used the squawk box of his wildly popular Fox News show, Tucker Carlson Tonight, to espouse increasingly ugly views, frequently about immigrants.

From The Guardian

As much as owners may loathe the effect that the squawk box has on the ambiance of their place, some feel compelled to install one.

From Washington Post

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

From Salon