squawk box

noun

, Informal.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of squawk box¹

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

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

"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