Clicker
A clicker, sometimes called a cricket, is any device that makes a clicking sound, usually when deliberately activated by its user.
They usually consist of a piece of thin metal or plastic held in a casing so that the metal is slightly torqued; depressing one end of the metal causes it to pop out of alignment and releasing it causes it to pop back into alignment, each time making a sharp click.
With some clickers, the user depresses the metal directly with thumb or finger; with others, a button extends above the surface of the casing so that depressing the button makes the metal click.
Social uses
- In World War II clickers were used by Allied paratroopers preceding and during Operation Overlord as a way of covertly identifying friend from foe. A soldier would click once and if two clicks were received in return from an unidentifiable soldier then his identification was confirmed.
- Clickers are used to provide audible feedback for human students learning using a method called TAGteach.
- Clickers were used to organize Catholic group activity.
"The clickers were dime store crickets that made a nice, loud click, perfect for signaling a First Communion class so all the kids would stand up at the same time, and kneel at the same time, and start filing down the aisle together." — Roger Ebert
Animal training uses
Clickers were first used by marine mammal trainer Karen Pryor as a way of communicating with their animals. Dolphins and whales communicate underwater through a series of clicks and whistles known as echolocation, and the clicker allowed a trainer to produce signals they were more likely to understand.Clickers are now used to train dogs, and other animals. When associated with a treat, a click allows the owner to mark the precise moment the desired behavior is executed.
Other uses
- Clickers are also used as a handheld counting device, sometimes digital but more commonly mechanical, used to keep a count of the numbers of people entering a venue. It is often used by nightclub doorstaff to make sure fire limits are not exceeded.
- A clicker is a device used on recurve bows to signal to the archer that correct draw length has been achieved, thus aiding consistency.
- Some board games designed after game shows come with clickers that are meant to emulate the buzzers common on such shows.
- Clickers are used by some kink practitioners, in particular in the context of pet play.