# boo

/ˈbu/ (US) · /bˈuː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/boo
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to scare someone

interjection · CEFR A2

a word you shout suddenly to surprise or scare someone as a joke.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. showing disapproval

interjection · CEFR B1

a sound made by a crowd to show they do not like a person or a performance.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to shout disapproval

verb · CEFR B1

to shout the word 'boo' at someone because you think they are doing a bad job.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. romantic partner

noun · CEFR B2 · American English · Slang · Informal

a slang word for a boyfriend, girlfriend, or someone you love.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I am going to the movies with my boo tonight.
- She posted a photo on social media of her and her boo celebrating their first anniversary at the beach.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.