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Definition of hooey

hooey

/ˈhuː.i/
hoo · ey
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hooey Lexical Profile

hooey Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American Nonsense, foolish talk, or insincere and exaggerated claims; bunk.

Example

"He dismissed the rumor about the company's sudden merger as a bunch of hooey."

2

North American In rodeo calf roping, a half hitch tied as the final knot to secure the calf's legs.

Example

"The roper quickly threw two wraps and a hooey to secure the calf in record time."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• interjection

1

North American Used to express strong disbelief, dismissal, or contempt for a statement regarded as false or foolish.

Example

"Hooey! There is no way that antique vase is worth a million dollars."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for hooey

• Nearby Words

hoodlum
hoodlumish
hoodwink
hooey
hoof
hoofbeat
hoofed

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in 1920s American slang, the word is likely a fanciful or euphemistic coinage modeled on expressions of derision such as "phooey" or "ballyhoo."

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hooey. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hooey
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