  Hootin’ an’ Hollerin’In Appalachian and Southern speech, "hootin’ an’ hollerin’" means being loud, rowdy, or boisterous - often laughing, shouting, or carrying on. It paints a picture of noisy fun (or noisy trouble). Hillbilly Dude Says...  If the situation calls for it, you gonna hear somebody say 'hootin’ an’ hollerin’. Pronunciation[HOO-tin an HOL-er-in] Meaning & Usage- To make loud noise, laugh, or shout boisterously (verb phrase)
Mae:
What’s all that racket?
Earl:
Just the boys hootin’ an’ hollerin’ out back.- To behave rowdily or carry on wildly (verb phrase)
Mae:
Them fans was hootin’ an’ hollerin’ the whole time.other spellings: yellin’, carryin’ on, cutting up, raising Cain, raising a ruckus, making a racket, and whoopin’ and hollerin’ ★ This phrase often carries a mix of disapproval and humor - you might scold kids for "hootin’ an’ hollerin’," but it’s just as likely said with a smile. ★ OriginFrom "hoot" (a loud call, often like an owl) and "holler" (to shout). Both words have long histories in English. In Appalachia and the South, pairing them as "hootin’ an’ hollerin’" became a common way to describe rowdy noise. NotesVery common in Appalachian and Southern speech. Understood nationwide, though outside the region it may sound folksy or colorful rather than everyday. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "hoo-tin an’ hol-lerin." The "g" in "-ing" is dropped, and "and" is clipped to "an’." | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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