The term "911 hen" functions as a compound noun or a noun phrase. In this construction, "hen" is the primary noun, and "911" serves as an attributive noun (or noun adjunct), acting as an adjective to modify "hen." The phrase refers to a specific, identifiable subject rather than describing a quality. Therefore, the main point of speech for the complete term is a noun.
This term originates from a viral audio recording of a man who called the 999 emergency services number in Ireland to report that his pet hen was unresponsive. The call gained widespread attention due to the caller's genuine distress and the dispatcher's calm, professional handling of the non-emergency situation. Although the event occurred in Ireland (using 999), it is frequently referenced online as the "911 hen" call, especially in North American contexts. The phrase specifically identifies the hen that was the subject of this well-known emergency call.
For analytical or article-writing purposes, treating "911 hen" as a proper noun is the most effective approach. It is the specific name given to the subject of a cultural phenomenon or internet meme. This allows the term to function as the central subject of discussion, representing not just the animal itself but the entire event, the public's reaction, and the surrounding discourse on the appropriate use of emergency services and human-animal bonds.
