'heckle' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'hekelen,' where 'hekelen' meant 'to comb flax or hemp.'

'hekelen' transformed into the modern English word 'heckle' through the influence of the practice of combing flax, which was often accompanied by questioning or challenging the quality of the material.

Initially, it meant 'to comb flax or hemp,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to interrupt a speaker with derisive comments.'