boos

IPA/buː/
KK[bˈuz]IPA/buː/

boos — verb

  • boospresent simple I / you / we / they
  • booses3rd person singular
  • boosing-ing form
  • boosedpast simple

1. the third-person singular form of "boo", used when a person or crowd makes a lon

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveB1
Definition

the third-person singular form of "boo", used when a person or crowd makes a long "boo" sound to show strong dislike of a show, decision, or speaker.

Example

When the judge announces the result, the front row boos loudly.

boos when + event happens

Soraya boos the comic whenever the act repeats the same rude joke.

boos + person directly

Common collocations
  • boos the speaker
  • boos the referee
  • boos at city hall
  • boos loudly
Synonyms
  • jeer

    often includes mocking words as well as hostile noise

  • hiss

    focuses on the sharp s-s-s sound of dislike

  • heckle

    usually means interrupting someone with rude comments

Antonyms
  • cheer

    shows support or pleasure instead of dislike

  • applaud

    focuses on clapping to show approval

Grammar Patterns

boos + person or thing

boos at + person or place

boos when + event happens

Usage Note

Use this form with a singular subject such as 'the audience', 'he', or 'she'. It can take a direct object for the person or thing receiving the reaction, or 'at' when the target is described more loosely.

Common Mistakes

The crowd boos to the singer.
The crowd boos the singer.' or 'The crowd boos at the singer.
use a direct object or 'at', not 'to'.

boos — noun

Word family

  • boo
    verbB1
  • boo
    nounB1
  • boo
    exclamationA2
  • booed
    verbB1
  • booing
    nounB1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Boos' are the clearest sign of public dislike because the crowd usually makes the simple sound "boo" together. 'Jeers' are broader and often include mocking words, laughter, or insults, so they feel more verbal and personal. 'Hisses' focus on the sharp snake-like noise itself and often sound more theatrical or old-fashioned. 'Catcalls' can overlap with boos, but they are usually rude shouted comments and may also be sexual or taunting. 'Heckling' is different again because it means interrupting a speaker with comments, questions, or jokes instead of only making a crowd noise. A weak singer may hear boos, a politician may face jeers, and a comedian may deal with heckling from one loud table.

boos ↗jeers ↗hisses ↗catcalls ↗heckling ↗

Etymology

imitativeEnglish

Boos is the regular -s form built from boo, an imitative English sound word that copies the drawn-out cry of disapproval or surprise. English first used boo as an exclamation, then as a verb and noun for the sound and the act of making it. The spelling with -s now serves two grammar jobs: it marks the third-person singular verb ('the crowd boos') and the plural noun ('loud boos').

First known use

1639

1639, in the meaning defined above Noun (1)