The word “croaker” can refer to a couple of different meanings:
1. **In zoology**: A croaker is a type of fish belonging to the family Sciaenidae, known for producing a croaking sound, especially when caught or out of water. This family includes species such as the black drum and the red drum.
2. **In colloquial usage**: The term “croaker” can also refer to an individual who makes predictions or statements about bad news or misfortune, often used in a somewhat pejorative sense.
3. **In slang**: Additionally, “croaker” can informally refer to a person who is dying or close to death, deriving from its association with the croaking sound of someone who is gravely ill.
The specific context in which the term is used will help determine its intended meaning.
