ballyhoo

[ noun bal-ee-hoo; verb bal-ee-hoo, bal-ee-hoo ]

noun

, plural bal·ly·hoos.

1. a clamorous and vigorous attempt to win customers or advance any cause; blatant advertising or publicity.

   Synonyms: hype, fanfare, hoopla, buildup

2. clamor or outcry.
3. a halfbeak, Hemiramphus brasiliensis, inhabiting both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

verb (used with or without object)

, bal·ly·hooed, bal·ly·hoo·ing.

1. to advertise or push by ballyhoo.

ballyhoo

/ ˌbælɪˈhuː /

noun

1. a noisy, confused, or nonsensical situation or uproar
2. sensational or blatant advertising or publicity

verb

1. tr to advertise or publicize by sensational or blatant methods

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballyhoo¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballyhoo¹

C19: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

However, beneath the ballyhoo of this expensive charade, a lot is changing.

From The Daily Beast

They should "not enable some widow or mother to say that her son was killed in an operation called 'Bunnyhug' or 'Ballyhoo.'"

From The Daily Beast

I was using a ballyhoo bait hooked by a small hook through the lips, with a second and larger hook buried in the body.

From Project Gutenberg

Baby is right,” said Ballyhoo, with a nod of his head; “rain will fall within twelve hours.

From Project Gutenberg

If she would do the ballyhoo for a Kid Show, she would pack 'em in to bust down the sidewalls.

From Project Gutenberg

That's the dope, ain't it—the old dope of the reform gang—the ballyhoo of the bunch that can't let the existing order stand?

From Project Gutenberg

Why not hire a band, too; and get a ballyhoo to bark for your show?

From Project Gutenberg