boo
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for boo, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Intj — An exclamation shouted to scare someone, usually while jumping out unexpectedly.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use boo
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
The "sweetheart" sense is informal slang, common in casual speech and social media.
Etymology
From an earlier form "boh," coined to imitate a sudden, startling shout.
Full origin of boo →Frequently asked questions
What does “boo” mean?
The word “boo” means an exclamation shouted to scare someone, usually while jumping out unexpectedly. In plain terms, a word to scare someone, a shout of disapproval, or slang for a sweetheart.
How do you pronounce “boo”?
“Boo” is pronounced boo (/buː/ in IPA).
How do you use “boo” in a sentence?
Here is “boo” used in a sentence: “He jumped from behind the door and yelled "boo!".”
What is the opposite of “boo”?
The opposite of “boo” — its antonyms — is cheer.
What part of speech is “boo”?
Depending on how it is used, “boo” can be an intj, a verb and a noun.
Is “boo” a common word?
“Boo” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “boo” have?
“Boo” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an exclamation shouted to scare someone, usually while jumping out unexpectedly.
What is the difference between 'boo' and 'cheer'?
They express opposite reactions. To boo is to shout disapproval, especially at a performance, while to cheer is to shout approval and support.
What is the difference between 'boo' and 'hiss'?
Both express disapproval from a crowd and are often paired together as 'boo and hiss.' Booing is shouting the word or sound 'boo,' while hissing is making a drawn-out 's' sound.
Is 'boo' formal or informal?
Boo is informal in all its uses, whether as an exclamation to startle someone, a shout of disapproval, or a pet name for a partner. It suits casual speech rather than formal writing.