Hootie Hoo!

In Southern and Appalachian speech, hootie hoo is a shouted call used to get attention, announce presence, or signal across distance. It’s often playful but can also be practical, especially outdoors or around family and neighbors.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern

synonyms: hey!, yoo-hoo!, holler

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Growin'up, 'hootie hoo!' is how we communicated at a distance. I do the same thing now with my young'uns - ridge-to-ridge, out in the woods, or at the grocery store. This one's near-and-dear for me.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Pronunciation

[HOO-tee HOO]
/ˈhuːti huː/

Meaning & Usage

- A call used to get attention or announce presence (interjection)

Earl:

Hootie hoo! Anybody home?

- A playful or familiar shout among family or friends (interjection)

Mae:

Kids! Supper’s ready!

Ruby:

Hootie hoo! You hear her?

variations: hooty-hoo, hooty hoo

★ It’s louder than "hey" and friendlier than hollerin’ somebody’s name. Perfect for yards, hollers, and long driveways. ★

Origin and Etymology

The call likely developed from older English "hoot" cries and animal-calling sounds, blended into a rhythmic two-part shout. In Southern and Appalachian communities, it settled into everyday use as a casual signal or greeting, especially in outdoor and rural settings.

Usage Notes

"Hootie hoo" is most often shouted rather than spoken and is closely tied to rural and small-town Southern life. It works both as a practical signal and a playful greeting, depending on tone and context.

Common in yards, fields, hollers, and long driveways.
Often used instead of calling someone’s name.
Can signal arrival, presence, or attention.
Recognized as Southern/Appalachian in tone and usage.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "hootie hoo" the same as "hooting and hollering"?

No. "Hootie hoo" is a specific call; "hooting and hollering" describes loud behavior.

Is it meant to imitate an owl?

Not exactly. While it echoes older "hoot" calls, it functions as a human attention call.

Do people outside the South say this?

Rarely. When they do, it’s usually borrowed or imitated from Southern speech.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, December 13). Hootie Hoo!. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hootie-hoo
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Hootie Hoo!." HillbillySlang.com, 13 Dec. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hootie-hoo.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Hootie Hoo!." HillbillySlang.com. December 13, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hootie-hoo.