Sergey Taran/Alamy
Cats, geese and snakes hiss, and angry audiences hiss to make their feelings known. How is it that this “language” is common to such diverse creatures, as well as to those who understand the warning?
Gerald Legg
Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, UK
Hissing has several uses. It is a method of communication when responding to fear or stress and is also a way to attract attention. In the animal world, it is often used as a warning to predators or unwanted suitors.
Humans have several forms of hiss: long and drawn out, expressing disapproval; short and sharp, rising in frequency and…
