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, booing 

1. to cry boo in derision.

verb (used with object)

booed, booing 

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. 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

“Obviously, when he pitches, he has that edge still. But yeah, I haven’t heard boo about anything as far as any physical kind of thing, outside of just the grind of the season.”

From Los Angeles Times

A few half-hearted boos was the extent of it.

From BBC

Payton walked over to the boo birds and told them to pipe down and to be respectful around the young quarterback’s family.

From Los Angeles Times

“Thanks to all who were booing. Thanks for the energy.”

From Los Angeles Times

Liverpool players were booed getting off the team bus.

From BBC

Related Words

• heckle 
• hiss 
• holler 
• hoot 
• jeer 

When To Use

What else does boo mean?

Boo is the sound we pretend ghosts make as well as a sound we make when we really don’t like something.Boo is also an affectionate term for one's significant other, similar to bae.