doo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Slang, Childish, Musical
Quick answer
What does “doo” mean?
A slang or informal noun, often referring to excrement (especially in child-oriented contexts) or used as a meaningless syllable in song lyrics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slang or informal noun, often referring to excrement (especially in child-oriented contexts) or used as a meaningless syllable in song lyrics.
A childish or euphemistic term for feces. Also a non-lexical vocable (like "doo-wop") used in scat singing or pop music refrains. Can be used in compounds like 'doo-doo'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use it for childish 'poo' and in musical scat. The musical genre 'doo-wop' is named identically in both.
Connotations
Childish or euphemistic when meaning excrement; playful or rhythmic in musical contexts.
Frequency
Equally low in both dialects, confined to specific, narrow contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “doo” in a Sentence
[Noun] doo (as in 'dog doo')Verb + doo (as in 'do the doo')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The toddler said he needed to doo-doo.
American English
- He had to doo before we left the house.
adjective
British English
- It was a doo-doo situation (colloquial for bad).
American English
- He stepped in something doo-doo coloured.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in studies of linguistics, musicology, or children's language.
Everyday
Used with young children or in humorous, informal contexts among friends.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doo”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with the auxiliary verb 'do'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an informal lexical item, primarily existing in set phrases ('doo-doo', 'doo-wop') or as childish slang. It is not a standard word with wide, independent usage.
They are near-synonyms in the childish register for excrement. 'Doo' (often doubled as 'doo-doo') is perhaps slightly more euphemistic and playful, while 'poo' is more direct. Regional preference may vary.
Informally and very colloquially, yes, especially in the form 'doo-doo' (e.g., 'The baby needs to doo-doo'). This is non-standard and highly context-dependent.
It originates from the scat singing and vocal percussion sounds (non-lexical vocables like 'doo-wop', 'shoo-be-doo') used as rhythmic backing in this genre of 1950s vocal group music.
A slang or informal noun, often referring to excrement (especially in child-oriented contexts) or used as a meaningless syllable in song lyrics.
Doo is usually informal, slang, childish, musical in register.
Doo: in British English it is pronounced /duː/, and in American English it is pronounced /duː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In deep doo-doo (in serious trouble)”
- “Doo-wop (music style)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"Doo" rhymes with "poo," which is what it often means. Think of Scooby-Doo saying 'ruh-roh' when he's in deep 'doo-doo' (trouble).
Conceptual Metaphor
NEGATIVITY/DIFFICULTY IS FILTH (e.g., 'in deep doo-doo').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'doo' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?