boo

¹

[ boo ]

interjection

1. (used to express contempt or disapprobation or to startle or frighten.)

noun

, plural boos.

1. an exclamation of contempt or disapproval:

   a loud boo from the bleachers.

verb (used without object)

, booed, boo·ing.

1. to cry boo in derision.

verb (used with object)

, booed, boo·ing.

1. to show disapproval of by booing.

boo

²

[ boo, boh ]

noun

1. Slang. marijuana.

boo

³

[ boo ]

noun

, Slang.

1. one's boyfriend or girlfriend.

boo

/ buː /

interjection

1. an exclamation uttered to startle or surprise someone, esp a child
2. a shout uttered to express disgust, dissatisfaction, or contempt, esp at a theatrical production, political meeting, etc
3. would not say boo to a goose
   would not say boo to a goose is extremely timid or diffident

verb

1. to shout "boo" at (someone or something), esp as an expression of disgust, dissatisfaction, or disapproval

   to boo the actors

Word History and Origins

Origin of boo¹

First recorded in 1630–40; expressive formation

Origin of boo²

First recorded in 1955–60; of uncertain origin

Origin of boo³

1985–90; of uncertain origin; possibly an alteration of French beau “boyfriend, admirer”

Example Sentences

I started a blog called Boo Cancer, You Suck as a safe place for me to process what I was going through.

From The Daily Beast

I could call him my “boo,” but when I tried it out he rolled his eyes.

From The Daily Beast

We can thank Lisa Kudrow for the rise of celeb reality TV—Real Housewives, the Kardashians, Honey Boo Boo and its ilk.

From The Daily Beast

As quickly as Honey Boo Boo came, there she goes—even more quickly.

From The Daily Beast

And just like that, on her “Frito feet,” there Honey Boo Boo goes.

From The Daily Beast

This is better than frightening them out of their skins by jumping out from behind a door and saying "Boo."

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes I don't get around till ten or eleven o'clock in the great boo-black dark.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the most reckless of gambling junkmen could not be expected to dare much of an investment in such a peek-a-boo game as that.

From Project Gutenberg

When the doorbell rang, half an hour later, Mr. Fielding was on his hands and knees playing "peek-boo!"

From Project Gutenberg

"And say 'Boo' to naughty little girls who won't let me complete my diary," shouted Brand.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• heckle
• hiss
• holler
• hoot
• jeer