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Is there a word for playgoers' behavior when hissing and booing the villain?

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Alternatives, yes, but hissing and booing is the traditional terminology for what goes on at a panto. – bye Feb 22 '11 at 17:41

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The crowd as a whole, or members of it, could be razzing or heckling.

Some people in the crowd might be a little more obnoxious than others and engage in badgering or taunting, although those are generally more appropriate for a one-on-one situation.

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thankyou, would heckling include derogatory comments – iminei Feb 22 '11 at 18:39
thank you all, heeckling is the very woord, i was worried that it wouldn't be abusive enough...but it seems that it is. – iminei Feb 22 '11 at 19:16
up vote 4 down vote

You can use jeer, catcall, heckle, or hoot.

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