ballyhoos
|bal-ly-hoo|
/ˌbæliˈhuː/
(ballyhoo)
loud, exaggerated publicity
Etymology
'ballyhoo' originates from American English (late 19th century), possibly imitative or from a combination of attention-getting exclamations such as 'bally' and 'hoo' used by carnival barkers; it entered general usage in advertising and entertainment.
'ballyhoo' first appeared in U.S. circus and vaudeville contexts around 1890 as a term for the shouting and noisy promotion used by barkers; it later generalized to mean 'sensational publicity' and then 'all the fuss or hype around something'.
Initially it referred to the shout/noise of carnival or showmen, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'loud, sensational publicity or exaggerated fuss.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
loud, sensational publicity or promotion intended to attract attention.
The campaign relied more on ballyhoos than on solid policy proposals.
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Noun 2
a noisy, exaggerated fuss or commotion; sensational hype (often with little substance).
There were lots of ballyhoos about the new product, but customers were unimpressed.
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Verb 1
to promote or publicize extravagantly or noisily; to hype.
He ballyhoos the company's services at every conference he attends.
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Last updated: 2026/01/06 16:52