Silly word question.

[saxikath]

When you're trying to see something you can just barely make out, you squint.

What's the equivalent word for what you do when you're trying to listen to something you can just barely hear?

Comments

[gnomi.livejournal.com]

strain

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

I was just going to say that!

[chanaleh.livejournal.com]

Yeah, but that's really only as part of "strain to hear", in the same way that squinting is "straining to see", which is crucial to the sense.

I think the distinction is that you can physically manipulate/orient your eyes themselves, in ways you cannot do with your ears. You can only turn or raise your head, cup your ear with your hand, or merely concentrate intently. "Prick up one's ears" might be another, if a bit metaphorical, term for this concept.

[cycon.livejournal.com]

"Aurquet".

[amaebi.livejournal.com]

Harken.

[fuldu.livejournal.com]

I would say most people cock their head and, sadly, still squint. But I think cock their head is the action you're looking for and I can't think of a single word for that.

[mlstrm.livejournal.com]

Turnupthevolume. :-P

Kinda reminds me of one of my favorite Sniglets:

Discombebopulated: The act of turning down the volume on the radio when getting closer to an address you're looking for while driving.