shout-out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal
Quick answer
What does “shout-out” mean?
A public verbal expression of acknowledgment, praise, or thanks given to a person or group, especially in a broadcast or public event.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A public verbal expression of acknowledgment, praise, or thanks given to a person or group, especially in a broadcast or public event.
A public mention or acknowledgment of someone, often to give credit, show appreciation, or promote their work, commonly occurring in media, speeches, or online content.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is widely understood and used in both varieties. The hyphenated form 'shout-out' is slightly more common in British English, while 'shoutout' (one word) is also frequent in American English.
Connotations
Carries informal, friendly, and modern connotations. In American English, it is strongly associated with hip-hop culture and radio/TV broadcasts. In British English, it retains the informal feel but is perhaps slightly less culturally marked.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, particularly in media and entertainment contexts. Usage is growing in British English, especially influenced by global digital culture.
Grammar
How to Use “shout-out” in a Sentence
[Subject] gives a shout-out to [Recipient] (for [Reason]).A shout-out goes to [Recipient].[Recipient] gets/gets a shout-out from [Subject].I'd like to give a shout-out to [Recipient].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shout-out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The presenter might shout out a few contributors at the end of the show.
- I'll shout you out on my next podcast episode.
American English
- The rapper shouted out his hometown during the concert.
- Be sure to shout out our sponsors in your video.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare in formal business writing, but used in internal newsletters, team meetings, or award ceremonies to recognize employee contributions.
Academic
Virtually absent in formal academic writing. May appear in informal presentations or acknowledgments.
Everyday
Common in informal speech, social media posts, podcasts, and when thanking friends or family in a public setting.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shout-out”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shout-out”
- Using it as a verb without the hyphen/preposition (e.g., 'I will shoutout you' is non-standard; correct: 'I will give you a shout-out' or informally 'I will shout you out').
- Misspelling as 'shoutout' (acceptable in AmE) or 'shout out' (the verb phrase) when the noun is intended.
- Using it in overly formal contexts where 'acknowledgment' or 'recognition' would be more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is informal. The phrasal verb 'to shout someone out' (or 'to shout out to someone') means to give them a public acknowledgment. The more standard expression is 'to give a shout-out to someone'.
No, not at all. A shout-out can be given to anyone—friends, family, colleagues, customers, or supporters—in any public or semi-public forum, from a birthday party toast to a social media post.
A shout-out is a type of thank you, but it is specifically public and often meant to be heard by an audience beyond the recipient. It combines thanks with recognition and sometimes promotion.
The standard plural is 'shout-outs' (e.g., 'She gave shout-outs to several people'). The one-word variant 'shoutouts' is also commonly seen, especially in American English.
Shout-out is usually informal in register.
Shout-out: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃaʊt aʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃaʊt ˌaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Give a shout-out (to someone)”
- “Get a shout-out”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DJ SHOUTING OUT a listener's name over the radio to thank them. The act of SHOUTING + sending the name OUT to the public = SHOUT-OUT.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGMENT IS A PROJECTED VOICE (making someone's name/contribution travel publicly, as if by shouting).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'shout-out' LEAST appropriate?