I used to whistle all the time--even considered trying out for the (US) national championship once, but didn't. Probably wouldn't have gotten very far, anyway. But now my wife doesn't like to hear whistling, so it's "Yes, Dear."... and not much whistling.

I remember several times as a kid when I started whistling in a group situation and soon everyone was whistling, as if it were contageous. But then the shop teacher or scoutmaster made some derogatory comment and we all went silent.

I've tried the opposite of Mooh's experience several times. Once when I saw someone carrying a French horn case I started whistling one of the Mozart horn concertos and to a cellist walking down the street I whistled part of the Brahm's double concerto, but neither reacted.

But I guess that was thread creep. I don't really know anything about other cultures and whistling.

But what a great instrument the human whistle is!

David