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Boo: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘ป
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boo

 

[ buห ]

Interjection / Noun
Context #1 | Interjection

expressing fright

The word 'boo' is commonly used as an expression to startle someone, often in a playful manner. It is often associated with Halloween and ghostly figures, used to elicit fear or surprise. 'Boo' can also be used humorously to get someone's attention or to mockingly indicate disappointment or disapproval.

Synonyms

disapprove, startle, surprise

Examples of usage

  • The children yelled 'boo' to scare their friends.
  • She peeked around the corner and shouted 'boo' to surprise her brother.
  • The ghost in the story would always say 'boo' to frighten guests.
  • When the team lost, the fans began to boo.
Context #2 | Noun

expression of disapproval

'Boo' can also refer to a sound made by an audience to express their disapproval or displeasure, particularly at a performance or event. It is typically used when the audience is unhappy with a performance or statement. The sound can be accompanied by gestures, and it is a collective expression from the audience.

Synonyms

derision, hiss, jeer

Examples of usage

  • The actor received boo from the audience after his poor performance.
  • When the speaker finished his speech, there was a chorus of boos.
  • The band was met with boos as they played their final song.
  • The crowd booed when the referee made a bad call.

Translations

Translations of the word "boo" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น boo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅ‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Buh

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ boo

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑัƒัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ boo

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ–ใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท bouh

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ boo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท boo

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถ€์šฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจูˆูˆ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ boo

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ boo

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‘œๅ‘œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ boo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bo

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒฃ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ boo

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ boo

Etymology

The word 'boo' has its origins traced back to the early 19th century, where it is believed to mimic the sound of a ghost or a haunting spirit. It was commonly used in local dialects and theatrical performances to create a sense of surprise or fear. The usage became increasingly popular throughout the 20th century, particularly associated with Halloween and the culture of ghost stories. The term transformed over time to serve not just as a frightful exclamation, but also as a way to express disapproval among audiences. The evolution of 'boo' reflects the playful, humorous aspects of human interaction, as well as the more serious connotations of audience engagement in performances.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,356, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.