hoot

Hoot is a term most often associated with the vocalizations of owls. As a noun, it can refer to the sound itself or, informally, to something or someone that is amusing or noteworthy. As a verb, to hoot means to utter such a sound, or to express disapproval in a light-hearted or emphatic way. In everyday language, phrases like “it’s a hoot” mean something is very funny or entertaining.

In birds, hooting is a territorial and communicative behavior. Owls produce hoots through their syrinx, and patterns vary by species. The great horned owl, for example, emits deep, resonant hoots that can travel long distances. The barred owl is known for a series of hoots that often resembles a distinctive call-and-response pattern. Other species, such as the northern saw-whet owl, may produce high-pitched trills or other vocalizations rather than the classic long hoot. Hooting can convey presence, establish territory, or attract mates, and environmental factors like time of night and habitat influence its use.

Beyond biology, hoot appears in idiomatic English to describe amusement. A person or situation described as “a hoot” is considered entertaining or amusing, and the expression “what a hoot” is used to convey laughter or light-hearted appreciation. The term has entered common usage through its onomatopoeic association with owl calls.

Etymology traces hoot to English onomatopoeia imitating the owl’s cry and has broadened to reflect cultural expressions of humor and whimsy. The word remains a standard example of animal-related onomatopoeia in English.