Word
boo
US/ˈbu/
UK/bˈuː/
Definitions
01to scare someone
A2 · Elementary
interj. a word you shout suddenly to surprise or scare someone as a joke.
interj. an exclamation used to startle or frighten someone, typically in a playful or sudden manner.
“I hid behind the door and jumped out shouting boo when my brother walked in.”
“The children spent the afternoon hiding in the garden, waiting for the perfect moment to jump out and yell boo at their unsuspecting parents.”
02showing disapproval
B1 · Intermediate
interj. a sound made by a crowd to show they do not like a person or a performance.
interj. an exclamation used by an audience to express derision, disapproval, or dissatisfaction with a performance or speaker.
“The crowd shouted boo when the referee made a bad decision.”
“A chorus of booing erupted from the gallery as the politician attempted to justify the controversial new tax policy.”
Synonyms
03to shout disapproval
B1 · Intermediate
v. to shout the word 'boo' at someone because you think they are doing a bad job.
v. to express strong disapproval or derision by shouting the word 'boo' at a person or group.
“Fans began to boo the home team after they lost their third game in a row.”
“Despite the actor's best efforts, the audience continued to boo throughout the final act of the play.”
Usage
Often used as a transitive verb taking a direct object representing the person being criticized.
Synonyms
04romantic partner
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun American English · Slang · Informal
n. a slang word for a boyfriend, girlfriend, or someone you love.
n. a term of endearment for a significant other or romantic partner.
“I am going to the cinema tonight with my boo.”
“She posted a photo on social media of herself and her boo celebrating their first anniversary at the beach.”
Teaching tip
This term is very common in modern pop music and social media, but it should be avoided in any professional or academic context.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Some booed him during the friendly win over Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge last week.” “Enzo Fernandez was booed by some supporters on the day when Morgan Rogers scored on his first appearance for Chelsea in a 3-1 win against Real Sociedad.” Etymology
From earlier (15c.) boh, coined to create a loud and startling sound. Compare Middle English bus! (“bang!”, interjection), Latin boō (“cry aloud, roar, shout”, verb), Ancient Greek βοάω (boáō, “shout”, verb).
From beau, from French beau. First appears c. 1988 in the Washington Post: See the cite below.
Of unknown origin, possibly from boojum, from a fancied resemblance of the plants. First appears c. 1959 in Esquire Magazine.
Likely onomatopoeic.
Dubious; perhaps adaptation of French beau (“beautiful”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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