belo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 - Rare/IdiomaticInformal, Humorous, Regional (especially UK)
Quick answer
What does “belo” mean?
An informal verb meaning to cry loudly and sorrowfully.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informal verb meaning to cry loudly and sorrowfully; to wail. Often used humorously or with a sense of exaggeration.
To complain loudly and vociferously, often in a self-pitying or excessive manner. Can also refer to the act of making any loud, mournful sound.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is primarily used in British and Commonwealth English (especially UK, Australia). It is very rare and non-standard in American English, where 'bawl' is the more common equivalent for loud crying.
Connotations
In the UK, it has a colloquial, slightly old-fashioned or regional feel, often used in phrases like 'belo your eyes out'. In the US, it would be considered a non-standard variant and might cause confusion.
Frequency
Low frequency overall, but higher recognition in UK informal contexts than in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “belo” in a Sentence
[Subject] belo(s)[Subject] belo [Adverbial Phrase] (e.g., belo your eyes out)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “belo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The toddler will belo for an hour if you take his toy.
- He's in the other room beloing about the football results.
American English
- (Rare) She started to belo when she heard the bad news.
- (Rare) Quit beloing and help me fix this.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Would be highly inappropriate and unprofessional.
Academic
Not used. Far too informal and non-standard.
Everyday
Used only in very informal, joking conversations among friends or family, e.g., teasing a child.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “belo”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'a big belo').
- Spelling it as 'bellow', which is a different word meaning a deep shout.
- Overusing it; it's a very niche word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is considered informal, non-standard, and primarily used in certain dialects (like British English). You will not find it in most formal dictionaries.
'Belo' means to cry or wail loudly. 'Bellow' means to shout in a deep, loud voice (like a bull or an angry person), usually not from sadness.
No. It is far too informal and colloquial for academic or professional writing. Use standard terms like 'cry loudly', 'wail', or 'sob' instead.
Extremely rarely. The standard American English word for loud crying is 'bawl'. An American speaker might not understand 'belo'.
An informal verb meaning to cry loudly and sorrowfully.
Belo is usually informal, humorous, regional (especially uk) in register.
Belo: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈləʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈloʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “belo your eyes out”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'bellow' (to shout loudly) mixed with 'low' (as in feeling low/sad). To BELO is to 'bellow' in a 'low', sad way.
Conceptual Metaphor
SADNESS IS A LOUD SOUND PRODUCED (CRYING IS BELLOWING).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'belo' MOST appropriately used?