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DictionarybooDisapproval
interjection / verb / noun

boo

BOO/bˈu/

A jeering sound expressing disapproval.

The displeased audience members boo toward the stage with emphatic thumbs-down gestures.

Two visibly displeased audience members boo toward a stage: rounded open mouths, furrowed brows, a hand cupped beside the mouth, and an emphatic thumbs-down make vocal disapproval the focal action.
Etymology
booMiddle Englisha loud, startling cry

The earlier cry boh was suited to making a loud, startling sound. Once that cry became an expression of disapproval, boo developed as a verb for directing such jeers at someone.

In context

WWE8:07
They boo you because, first of all, you suck and, second of all,
John Cena destroying people on the mic: 30-minute WWE compilation

More examples

  • The audience booed the unpopular announcement.
  • Several boos interrupted the speaker.
  • Some fans began booing before the match ended.

Forms

boo · boos · booed · booing

Similar words

jeer
An insulting shout that need not use a particular sound.
hiss
Expresses disapproval through a different vocal sound.