boohoo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, playful, mocking, often used by or directed towards children.
Quick answer
What does “boohoo” mean?
to cry or weep loudly, especially in a noisy, unrestrained, or insincere manner, often imitating the sound of crying ("boo-hoo").
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to cry or weep loudly, especially in a noisy, unrestrained, or insincere manner, often imitating the sound of crying ("boo-hoo").
Used as a noun to refer to the sound or act of loud, demonstrative crying; often employed as an onomatopoeic interjection to mock or draw attention to excessive or childish weeping.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are virtually identical across both variants. There is a slight nuance in that UK usage might be more associated with direct address to a child ("Don't start boohooing!") while US usage appears slightly more common in media to label a public figure's perceived overreaction.
Connotations
Strongly connotes childishness, insincerity, or performative complaining. Using it to describe genuine adult emotion is dismissive and insulting.
Frequency
Very low frequency in formal contexts. More frequent in spoken language, fiction (especially dialogue), journalism (often in headlines for mockery), and social media commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “boohoo” in a Sentence
VERB: to boohoo (intransitive)VERB: to boohoo about/over something (intransitive + prepositional phrase)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boohoo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He'll just boohoo until he gets his way.
- Stop boohooing about the rain and put your coat on.
American English
- The celebrity boohooed on social media after the bad review.
- Don't boohoo over spilled milk.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare, typically as part of direct speech) 'Boohoo,' she cried mockingly.
American English
- (Extremely rare, typically as part of direct speech) He said 'Boohoo' to the crying toddler.
adjective
British English
- It was a rather boohoo performance from the losing manager.
- (Rare, but possible in compounds like) a boohoo story.
American English
- Her boohoo reaction went viral for all the wrong reasons.
- He gave a boohoo speech after being eliminated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly unlikely, except in extremely informal internal communication to mock a competitor's complaint (e.g., "Our rivals are boohooing about the new regulations").
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Used with children ("Oh, boohoo, did you scrape your knee?") or among friends/family to tease about minor complaints.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boohoo”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it to express sympathy (it does the opposite).
- Spelling as 'boo-hoo' (hyphenated form is also acceptable but less common as a verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a real, lexicalized word in English dictionaries, but its origin and primary use are onomatopoeic and closely tied to imitating or referencing childish crying.
No, almost never. Its default use is mocking, dismissive, or playful. Using it to someone genuinely upset would be rude and belittling.
'Weep' is more formal/literary and neutral. 'Sob' implies convulsive crying with breath catching. 'Boohoo' specifically implies loud, noisy, and often childish or insincere crying.
Yes, the online fashion retailer's name plays on the word, likely aiming for a memorable, catchy, and slightly irreverent brand identity.
to cry or weep loudly, especially in a noisy, unrestrained, or insincere manner, often imitating the sound of crying ("boo-hoo").
Boohoo is usually informal, playful, mocking, often used by or directed towards children. in register.
Boohoo: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbuːˈhuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbuˈhu/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cry boohoo (to weep excessively)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a baby saying "BOO!" and then "HOO!" while crying. The word SOUNDS like the crying it describes.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL DISTRESS IS CHILDISH NOISE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'boohoo' be MOST appropriately used?