Hootenanny
/ˈhuːtənæni/noun
A gathering featuring folk music, singing, and informal entertainment.
Did you know?Hootenanny is a real English word, but its exact origin is uncertain: it emerged in American folk culture in the early 20th century, and many scholars think it began as a playful nonsense term before becoming the name for a communal singalong.
Etymological Timeline
Early 20th Century
English
hootenanny
“A colloquial term for a gadget, thingamajig, or lively informal gathering, especially with folk singing.”
1930s-1940s
English
hootenanny
“Used in American slang for an unspecified object or a social event; the sense of a folk-music party began to develop.”
Mid-20th Century
English
hootenanny
“Popularized in the American folk revival as an informal concert or singalong gathering.”
Modern English
English
hootenanny
“An informal gathering featuring folk music, singing, and entertainment.”