In Appalachian and Southern speech, "hootin’ an’ hollerin’" (sometimes written "hooting and hollering") means being loud, rowdy, or boisterous - often laughing, shouting, or carrying on. It paints a picture of noisy fun (or noisy trouble).
If the situation calls for it, you gonna hear somebody say 'hootin’ an’ hollerin’.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If the situation calls for it, you gonna hear somebody say 'hootin’ an’ hollerin’.
Pronunciation
[HOO-tin an HOL-er-in]
Meaning & Usage
- To make loud noise, laugh, or shout boisterously (verb phrase)
At a party
Mae:
What’s all that racket?
Earl:
Just the boys hootin’ an’ hollerin’ out back.
- To behave rowdily or carry on wildly (verb phrase)
At a ballgame
Mae:
Them fans was hootin’ an’ hollerin’ the whole time.
variations: yellin’, carryin’ on, cutting up, raising Cain, raising a ruckus, making a racket, whoopin’ and hollerin’
★ This phrase often carries a mix of disapproval and humor - you might scold kids for "hootin’ an’ hollerin’," but it’s just as likely said with a smile. ★
Origin and Etymology
From "hoot" (a loud call, often like an owl) and "holler" (to shout). Both words have long histories in English. In Appalachia and the South, pairing them as "hootin’ an’ hollerin’" became a common way to describe rowdy noise.
Usage Notes
Very common in Appalachian and Southern speech. Understood nationwide, though outside the region it may sound folksy or colorful rather than everyday.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "hoo-tin an’ hol-lerin." The "g" in "-ing" is dropped, and "and" is clipped to "an’."
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
If the situation calls for it, you gonna hear somebody say 'hootin’ an’ hollerin’.