ballyhoo

American  

[bal-ee-hoo, bal-ee-hoo, bal-ee-hoo] / ˈbæl iˌhu, ˈbæl iˌhu, ˌbæl iˈhu /

noun

plural

ballyhoos

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.

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verb (used with or without object)

ballyhooed, ballyhooing

1. to advertise or push by ballyhoo.

ballyhoo British  

/ ˌbælɪˈhuː /

noun

1. a noisy, confused, or nonsensical situation or uproar

2. sensational or blatant advertising or publicity

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of ballyhoo

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

Explanation

The word ballyhoo is both a noun and a verb that refers to making a big, noisy fuss about something. Promoters might ballyhoo a new store opening by plastering the airwaves with ads and throwing a big parade on opening day. Ballyhoo is all about being loud and flashy, creating an attention-grabbing spectacle. The term originated in early 20th-century slang to describe the loud carnival barkers yelling out exaggerated pronouncements when trying to drum up a crowd for a sideshow or attraction. Over time, it came to mean any hype or commotion to promote something. Using the word as a noun, you could say, "Despite all the ballyhoo, the movie was a box office flop." As a verb, you might say, "The bookstore ballyhooed the arrival of the last book in the popular series."

Example Sentences

Ballyhoo is a small family startup led by the Shapiro brothers, Adam and Nate.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 18, 2019

Bottled by hand at Connacht’s County Mayo outpost, the Ballyhoo is a pure, simple 4-year-old grain whiskey that eschews artificial coloring and kitschy trends in the name of something that actually lasts: Authenticity.

From Golf Digest • Mar. 15, 2018

The main problem at hand is finding a date for Lala to the formal ball that ends a celebration called Ballyhoo, the highlight of the year for German-Jewish society in the South.

From New York Times • Jul. 15, 2016

SAT Performing scenes from upcoming production of "The Last Night of Ballyhoo," 2 p.m.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 7, 2012

Unc' Fletch didn't dare leave ther tree alone, so he tied a note ter Ballyhoo an' sent him back ter ther village fer a carpenter.

From Ted Strong in Montana With Lariat and Spur by Taylor, Edward C.