hullabaloo
Origin of hullabaloo
Words nearby hullabaloo
MORE ABOUT HULLABALOO
What does hullabaloo mean?
A hullabaloo is an uproar or a noisy commotion, especially the sound of a bunch of people shouting in protest about something.
A hullabaloo doesn’t have to be literally noisy—the word can also be used to refer to all the talk and commentary surrounding a controversy, such as on social media. Because hullabaloo sounds a little silly, it’s often used to be funny.
Example: There was a big hullabaloo at the parents’ meeting when it was announced that brownies wouldn’t be allowed at the bake sale.
Where does hullabaloo come from?
The first records of hullabaloo come from the mid-1700s. It may come from a rhyming combination of the interjection halloo and the Scots word baloo, meaning “lullaby.”
A hullabaloo is a far cry from a soothing lullaby, though. Typically, the word refers to a rowdy, raucous ruckus—picture a bunch of people shouting at a public meeting with someone banging a gavel trying to get them to quiet down. But the noise doesn’t have to be literal. Hullabaloo can also refer collectively to all the comments and conflicting opinions about a controversial topic, especially in a context in which those comments can be observed by a lot of people, such as in the media or on social networks. There are a lot of ways to say the same thing, like hubbub, uproar, clamor, furor, ruckus, and the just-as-fun-to-say brouhaha.
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How is hullabaloo used in real life?
Hullabaloo is commonly used to refer to an uproar about something, whether literally loud or just involving a lot of people’s opinions.
Back in 2009, there was a big hullabaloo over Carlos Tevez choosing Man City over Man Utd because he was offered higher wages at City, even though United were the better side.
Now Alexis Sànchez has done the same but in the opposite direction.
Roles have reversed.
— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) January 23, 2018
just thought I'd clear up all of the hullabaloo @RebeccaRomijn has started. yes. I drive a PT. yes. he is glorious. his name is Petey. i💖him
— Lindy Booth (@LindyBooth) January 22, 2016
Not feeling the Apple news today? Head to http://t.co/Zu4c4Uws to skip all of the hullabaloo.
— Engadget (@engadget) October 4, 2011
Try using hullabaloo!
Which of the following words is LEAST likely to describe a hullabaloo?
A. loud
B. noisy
C. calm
D. indignant