interjection
doodah
A nonsense expression used to fill out a song or rhythm.
She sings “doodah” between verses as she strums her guitar.
Etymology
Doodah is made from rhythmic nonsense syllables rather than meaningful word parts. Its role is to fill or carry a musical phrase without adding a literal statement.
More examples
- We add “doodah, doodah” whenever we forget the words.
- The children chant “doodah” in time with their clapping.
- Each verse ends with a cheerful “doodah!”
Similar words
- tra-la
- Another sung nonsense refrain, often suggesting a carefree mood.
- la
- A simpler singing syllable that also names a musical note.