boo1

[boo] /bu/
interjection
1.
(used to express contempt or disapprobation or to startle or frighten).
noun, plural boos.
2.
an exclamation of contempt or disapproval:
a loud boo from the bleachers.
verb (used without object), booed, booing.
3.
to cry boo in derision.
verb (used with object), booed, booing.
4.
to show disapproval of by booing.
Origin
1810-20; expressive formation

boo2

[boo, boh] /bu, boʊ/
noun
1.
Slang. marijuana.
Also called boo grass.
Origin
1955-60; of uncertain origin
Examples from the web for boo
  • It is sheer nonsense to suggest that boo is potentially more harmful than than dreck that can be purchased on the local store.
  • When he manipulated the audience to boo your issues, his charm rang hollow.
  • Be careful that they don't boo you for stating scientifically established facts.
  • They can do whatever they please, and no other nation can say boo because they hold such a large percentage of the world's oil.
  • One is good for all, regardless of the lunacy of a boo-boo vs guts spilling out onto the ground.
  • We cheer on the good guy and boo when the bad guy gets a leg up.
  • Oh, look, two years in a row with trillion dollar deficits and boo to show for it.
  • boo to the lazy editor who came up with the lame label.
  • The peek-a-boo virtual keyboard is decent for slow touch-typing.
  • His career by now seems virtually boo-boo-proof-and so does his nonchalant image.
British Dictionary definitions for boo

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.
would not say boo to a goose, is extremely timid or diffident
verb boos, booing, booed
4.
to shout "boo" at (someone or something), esp as an expression of disgust, dissatisfaction, or disapproval: to boo the actors
Word Origin and History for boo

expression meant to startle, early 15c., boh, "A combination of consonant and vowel especially fitted to produce a loud and startling sound" [OED, which compares Latin boare, Greek boaein "to cry aloud, roar, shout."]; as an expression of disapproval, 1801 (n.), 1816 (v.); hence, the verb meaning "shower someone with boos" (1893).

Booing was common late 19c. among London theater audiences and at British political events; In Italy, Parma opera-goers were notorious boo-birds, but the custom seems to have been little-known in America till c.1910.

To say boo "open one's mouth, speak," originally was to say boo to a goose.

To be able to say Bo! to a goose is to be not quite destitute of courage, to have an inkling of spirit, and was probably in the first instance used of children. A little boy who comes across some geese suddenly will find himself hissed at immediately, and a great demonstration of defiance made by them, but if he can pluck up heart to cry 'bo!' loudly and advance upon them, they will retire defeated. The word 'bo' is clearly selected for the sake of the explosiveness of its first letter and the openness and loudness of its vowel. [Walter W. Skeat, "Cry Bo to a Goose, "Notes and Queries," 4th series vi Sept. 10, 1870]

Slang definitions & phrases for boo

boo 1

adjective

Excellent; remarkable: Something that used to be known as the cat's whiskers is now called ''deadly boo'' (1950s+)

noun

Marijuana or another narcotic: I got over there and she lays this dynamite boo on me, I mean super shit (1930s+ Jazz musicians)

Related Terms

tickety-boo

[noun sense said to be fr black English jabooby, ''marijuana, so called because it induces a state of fear or anxiety,'' of unknown origin; but possibly fr Budda, ''marijuana'']


boo 2

interjection
  1. An exclamation of disapproval, the equivalent of a hiss (1890s+)
  2. A supposedly frightening exclamation, such as a ghost might give: She jumped out of the closet and hollered ''Boo!'' (1940s+)
verb

: Next time at bat he was roundly booed


Related Abbreviations for boo

BOO

Bootes (constellation)