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boo
noun
An exclamation used to startle or frighten someone, typically shouted when appearing suddenly, or by audiences to express disapproval or derision at performances or events.
Etymology
Origin: Latin
Root: boh
Example
"The audience began to boo loudly when the politician avoided answering the direct question about tax increases."
Usage Notes
Boo serves dual purposes: playfully startling (common in games like peek-a-boo or during Halloween) or expressing serious disapproval (booing politicians, bad performances). The startling usage is typically lighthearted, while the disapproval sense carries negative judgment. Often prolonged ('boooo') for emphasis in crowd situations.