'ballyhoo' originates from American English (19th century), specifically from early showman/carnival cry forms like 'baloo' or 'ballyhoo' used to attract attention; it was adopted as a noun for sensational publicity and later as a verb.

'ballyhoo' began as a vocal cry or shout used by barkers and showmen in 19th-century America, then shifted from meaning a loud call to mean 'hoopla, sensational publicity,' and eventually the verb 'to ballyhoo' ('to publicize extravagantly') and its past form 'ballyhooed' entered common usage.

Initially it meant 'a loud call or shout to attract attention,' but over time it evolved into 'noisy or exaggerated publicity' and then into the verb sense 'to publicize extravagantly,' which is the modern usage represented by 'ballyhooed'.