French word

hou

Pronunciation

IPA/u/

Meaning

  • interjectionboo

Example

Hou ! Regarde derrière toi !

Boo! Look behind you!

Illustration for hou (boo)

More examples

Les enfants crient « Hou ! » pour faire peur à leur ami.

The children shout "Boo!" to scare their friend.

Core concept

A person suddenly springs into view with a sharp cry meant to startle someone.

Common phrases

  • crier « hou ! »

    shout "boo!"

Similar words

bouh: A sudden cry made to frighten or startle someone.

Definition in French

Se prononce lorsqu'on apparaît brusquement pour surprendre quelqu'un.

Word origin

Hou is an onomatopoeic French interjection formed from a cry used to frighten or surprise someone.

Usage tips

  • Hou is pronounced like the vowel in French tout, not like English "how", and it is a startling cry rather than a greeting.

Word lists with this word