Hullabaloo
/ˌhʌl.ə.bəˈluː/noun
A loud commotion or uproar.
Did you know?Unlike words with ancient roots, *hullabaloo* is a relatively modern expressive creation, probably reinforced by similar-sounding call-and-response cries used to signal alarm or stir a crowd.
Etymological Timeline
18th Century
English
hullabaloo
“A noisy uproar, commotion, or ruckus”
18th Century
English
halloo / hollo
“A cry used to call, urge on, or shout out”
Early Modern English
English
hallo / hullo
“An exclamation used to attract attention or express surprise”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*haljaną / *hallō
“Likely related to shouting or calling forms in Germanic speech, though the exact path is uncertain”
Explore more surprising origins