hooey: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, mildly humorous, often old-fashioned
Quick answer
What does “hooey” mean?
Nonsense.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Nonsense; foolish or meaningless talk or ideas.
An emphatic exclamation expressing strong disbelief, dismissal of an idea, or frustration with something perceived as ridiculous.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated and is primarily used in American English. It is understood in British English but used less frequently and may sound somewhat quaint or 'Hollywood American'.
Connotations
In American usage, it connotes a folksy, sometimes sarcastic dismissal. In British usage, it may carry stronger connotations of being an Americanism.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, though its overall usage has declined. In British English, alternatives like 'rubbish', 'nonsense', or 'codswallop' are more common.
Grammar
How to Use “hooey” in a Sentence
[That/This/It] is (a load/total/complete) hooey.Don't give me that hooey!to call [something] hooeyVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used humorously to dismiss a clearly flawed proposal or excuse (e.g., 'His sales projections are pure hooey.').
Academic
Extremely rare and inappropriate in formal writing; would be considered slang.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation, often by older speakers, to express disbelief (e.g., 'Hooey! I don't believe a word of it.').
Technical
Never used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hooey”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Spelling it as 'hoey' or 'hooie'.
- Overusing it, making speech sound dated or affected.
- Attempting to use it as a verb (e.g., 'He hooeyed the plan' - incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not offensive. It is informal and dismissive, but it is not a swear word. It is milder than many of its synonyms like 'bullshit'.
No, 'hooey' is only used as a noun (e.g., 'That's hooey') or an interjection (e.g., 'Hooey!'). There is no standard verb form.
Its exact origin is uncertain, but it first appeared in American English in the early 20th century (circa 1920s). It is likely a nonsense word created for its humorous, dismissive sound.
Its usage has declined and it now sounds somewhat old-fashioned or purposefully quaint. Younger speakers are more likely to say 'nonsense', 'BS', or 'cap'. It is still understood and used for humorous or stylistic effect.
Nonsense.
Hooey is usually informal, mildly humorous, often old-fashioned in register.
Hooey: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhuː.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhui/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a load of hooey”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a baby owl saying 'Hoo-ey!' to express disbelief at something silly its parent said.
Conceptual Metaphor
FALSEHOODS/EMPTY IDEAS ARE WORTHLESS/IMAGINARY OBJECTS (e.g., a 'load' of something).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'hooey' be LEAST appropriate?