noun
shout-out
SHOWT-owt
Shout-out (noun) means a brief public expression of thanks, praise or greeting to a named person or group. Example: “Big shout-out to the crew who set the stage up overnight.”
noun
1
informal A brief public expression of thanks, praise or greeting to a named person or group.
"Big shout-out to the crew who set the stage up overnight."
"She gave her old teacher a shout-out in the acceptance speech."
2
internet slang A mention of someone's social media account or business by another user, intended to send followers or custom their way.
"A shout-out from an account that size can double your followers overnight."
verb
1
informal To publicly mention or credit someone.
"He shouted out every one of the volunteers by name."
How to use shout-out
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPublicly mentioning someone to thank or promote them.
When to use it
Informal; at home in speech, broadcasting, music and social media, less so in formal prose.
Memory tip
Note that call-out is nearly the opposite: it means naming someone to criticise them.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
shoutout
shout down
call-out
Common pairings
give a shout-out
a big shout-out to
special shout-out
shout-out on my story
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Big _____ to the crew who set the stage up overnight.
Etymology
A deverbal noun formed from shout out.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for shout-out
See all rhymes for shout-out →Frequently asked questions
Is it shout-out, shoutout or shout out?
All three are in use. The hyphenated shout-out is the safest for the noun in edited writing, shoutout is common online and increasingly accepted, and shout out as two words works best when it is a verb followed by an object: shout out the winners.
What is the difference between a shout-out and a plug?
A shout-out is usually a warm personal mention, given freely to thank or greet someone. A plug is straightforwardly promotional and is often paid for or traded. A shout-out for a business is effectively a plug wearing friendlier clothes.
How do you ask for a shout-out?
Say what you want mentioned, why it fits their audience and what they get in return, and keep it to a couple of sentences. Small creators often trade them directly, an arrangement abbreviated online as SFS or S4S.
What is the meaning of shout-out?
"shout-out" (noun) means a brief public expression of thanks, praise or greeting to a named person or group.
