radio static
Crackling between stations
Radio static is the crackling, hissing noise heard when a radio receiver picks up electromagnetic interference rather than a clear signal.
It occurs between stations or when reception is poor.
The sound has become cultural shorthand for failed communication or disconnection: All I got was static when I tried to reach them.
Figuratively, static can mean resistance or pushback: I'm getting static from management about the new policy.
- white noiseConstant random sound
- crackleSharp snapping sounds
- hissSharp sibilant sound
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- fuzzFine downy fibers
signal · lost signal · buzzing · transmission · frequency · antenna · tuning · broadcast · AM · FM · snow · crackling · distortion · waves · dial · receiver · squelch · picking up
- crackly thingspop, snap, crunch, rustle, cellophane
- sound effectssound effects, sound effect, ringtone, boing, crash
- audio artifactshiss, hum, buzz, crackle, pop
- noisewhite noise, pink noise, brown noise, hiss, hum
- tape musictape loops, tape recorder, tape recorders, magnetic tape, tape hiss
- radiocrystal set, AM, FM, news broadcast, AM/FM