Hootin’ an’ Hollerin’

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "hootin’ an’ hollerin’" (sometimes written "hooting and hollering") means being loud, rowdy, or boisterous - often laughing, shouting, or carrying on. It paints a picture of noisy fun (or noisy trouble).

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

If the situation calls for it, you gonna hear somebody say 'hootin’ an’ hollerin’.

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.

variations: yellin’, carryin’ on, cutting up, raising Cain, raising a ruckus, making a racket, 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. ★

Origin and Etymology

From "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.

Usage Notes

Very 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 Southerner

Play audio Said plain: "hoo-tin an’ hol-lerin." The "g" in "-ing" is dropped, and "and" is clipped to "an’."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "hootin’ an’ hollerin’" always mean fun?

Not always - it can mean joy, celebration, or just plain noise.

Do people still use it?

Yes - especially in the South and Appalachia, but also recognized nationally.

Is it negative?

Tone matters. It can be affectionate, playful, or a light scolding.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Hooting an’ Hollering. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hooting-and-hollering
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Hooting an’ Hollering." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hooting-and-hollering.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Hooting an’ Hollering." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hooting-and-hollering.

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