hullabaloo
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈʌləbˌæluː/
US
- /ˌhələbəˈlu/
Description
- noisy confusion
- commotion
- fuss
Imagine a small problem suddenly turning into a big scene, with people talking over one another and everyone looking around. That is the feeling of "hullabaloo." It means a loud fuss or excited commotion, often caused by something that may not deserve so much noise. A child shouting in a store, reporters rushing toward a celebrity, or people arguing over a minor mistake can all create a hullabaloo.
"Hullabaloo" describes a loud commotion, a noisy fuss, or an excited uproar. It is not just sound in the background. The word suggests that people are reacting strongly, talking loudly, or making a scene. Often, it is used when the level of excitement or complaint seems bigger than the actual problem.
You might hear it when a customer starts complaining and draws a crowd, when a surprise announcement causes everyone to speak at once, or when the media make a big deal out of a small event. In these cases, "hullabaloo" carries the idea of noise, confusion, and public reaction all at once.
The word is usually a little playful in tone. It can describe real annoyance, but it can also sound amused, as if the speaker is saying, "Look at all this unnecessary noise." Because of that, it often fits everyday situations better than very formal ones.
In short, if there is a burst of noisy attention, excited reaction, or messy public fuss, "hullabaloo" is a good word for it. It works especially well when the scene feels bigger, louder, or more dramatic than it needs to be.
Examples
- 1
Alarm noise
There was a hullabaloo in the hallway after the fire alarm went off.
- 2
Public reaction
I don't understand all the hullabaloo over the new logo.
Pattern
hullabaloo over/about + issue
a loud public reaction to it
- 3
Press attention
The minister slipped out a side door amid the hullabaloo from reporters outside.
Phrase
amid the hullabaloo
while the noise and excitement was happening
- 4
Complaint
She made a huge hullabaloo about having to wait ten minutes for her coffee.
Pattern
make a hullabaloo about + issue
complain about it loudly or dramatically
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- hullabaloonoun