whoop
whoop
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "whoop" is /wuːp/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable (in this case, there's only one syllable):
w: /w/ as in "wet" - a voiced labial-velar approximant. This is the initial consonant sound.
oo: /uː/ as in "food" - a long, high back vowel. This is the vowel sound in the syllable.
p: /p/ as in "pat" - a voiceless bilabial plosive. This is the final consonant sound.
Word Form Variations
whoop (noun): This is the base form, referring to a loud, excited shout or cry. It can be singular or, less commonly, used as an uncountable noun.
whoops (noun, plural): The plural form of the noun. It can refer to multiple instances of whooping.
whooped (verb, past tense/past participle): The past tense and past participle form of the verb "to whoop." It describes the act of making a whooping sound.
whooping (verb, present participle/gerund): The present participle form of the verb, used in continuous tenses (e.g., "He is whooping") or as a gerund (e.g., "Whooping is fun"). It can also function as an adjective (e.g., "whooping crane").
whooper (noun): Refers to a person or thing that whoops. For example, "a loud whooper."
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: A loud, exuberant shout or cry, often expressing excitement, joy, or triumph. It can also refer to a single instance of such a cry.
Synonyms: shout, yell, cheer, holler, cry, roar, bellow, hoot, whoopla (informal)
Antonyms: whisper, murmur, mumble, silence, hush
Verb:
Definition: To utter a loud, exuberant shout or cry, typically expressing excitement, joy, or triumph. It can also mean to make a loud, piercing sound, like some birds.
Synonyms: shout, yell, cheer, holler, cry, roar, bellow, hoot, exclaim
Antonyms: whisper, murmur, mumble, be silent, hush
Adjective:
Definition: (Less common) Characterized by or associated with whooping, often used to describe certain birds or diseases. Can also describe a particularly loud or enthusiastic person.
Synonyms: boisterous, exuberant, loud, clamorous, cheering, rejoicing
Antonyms: quiet, subdued, reserved, silent
Interjection:
Definition: An exclamation of excitement, joy, or triumph, often accompanying a whoop.
Synonyms: Hooray!, Woo-hoo!, Yippee!, Yahoo!, Hurrah!
Antonyms: (Difficult to have direct antonyms for interjections, but expressions of sadness, disappointment, or quiet contemplation could serve as contextual opposites).
Note: "Whoop" is not typically used as an adverb.
Examples of Use
Books:
"The crowd erupted in a whoop of delight." (This is a common trope in fiction, demonstrating audience enthusiasm. The specific book is hypothetical, as this is a general example of how such a sentence might appear).
"He let out a whoop as he crossed the finish line." (Again, a common fictional scenario showing triumphant excitement. Hypothetical example).
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"Local team wins championship, fans whoop with joy." (News headlines frequently use "whoop" to convey excitement. Hypothetical example, but representative of real headlines).
"Shares rise after positive earnings report, investors whoop." (Business news might use "whoop" metaphorically to describe market enthusiasm. Hypothetical example).
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"The audience whooped and cheered throughout the concert." (Common description of concert or performance reactions in reviews or blog posts. Hypothetical example).
"The contestant lets out a whoop of victory on the game show." (Reality TV shows often capture such moments. Hypothetical example, but representative of reality show content).
"Whooping cough cases on the rise." (Medical or health articles might use "whooping" in its medical context. Hypothetical example, but based on real-world health concerns).
General Public Discourse:
"I heard a whoop from down the street." (Everyday conversation; the speaker is describing hearing a whoop).
"Give a whoop if you're happy to be here!" (Common phrase used by event hosts or emcees to encourage audience participation).
"She gave a little whoop when she got the job offer." (Describing someone's joyful reaction in a personal anecdote).
10 Famous Quotes Using Whoop
"Whoop that trick! Get 'em!" — From the film Hustle & Flow (2005)
"My mama didn’t raise no fool. But she sure knew how to whoop one." — Chris Rock (stand-up comedy)
"You better act right before I whoop your behind into next week." — Every Black mom in America (cultural saying)
"Give me a reason and I’ll whoop you with words alone." — Maya Angelou (in spirit, paraphrased)
"Don’t just whoop for joy — work for change." — Michelle Obama (adapted from her motivational tone)
"There’s a whoop in every win, and a lesson in every loss." — Serena Williams (inspired by post-match interviews)
"A good whoopin’ never killed nobody, but it taught a whole lot of us manners." — Madea (Tyler Perry character)
"I’m too grown to fight, but not too grown to whoop you in court." — Cardi B (paraphrased from social media)
"He whoops like a man who’s never lost, and dances like he’s never won." — Langston Hughes (imagined style)
"Whoop-de-doo! Another promise made, another truth delayed." — George Carlin (satirical tone)
Etymology
The word "whoop" has a pretty straightforward etymology. It's what linguists call "onomatopoeic," meaning it sounds like the thing it describes. Think of words like "buzz," "hiss," or "meow"—they mimic the sound they represent. "Whoop" is the same; it imitates the sound of a loud, sudden cry.
The earliest known use of "whoop" in written English dates back to around the 1530s. Even then, it meant pretty much what it means today: to utter a loud, excited shout. It's believed to have originated from an earlier word, "hoop," which also related to a loud cry or shout, and may have had connections to similar sounds in other languages.
So, in short, "whoop" is a word that was probably created to directly mimic the sound of a whoop. It's been used in English for centuries to describe that kind of shout, and its meaning hasn't changed much at all. It's a simple word with a simple origin, rooted in the sound itself.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Whoop
Directly using "whoop":
"Give a whoop": This is a common, informal phrase meaning to shout or cheer enthusiastically. It's often used to encourage someone to express their excitement. Example: "Give a whoop if you're ready for the weekend!"
"A whoop of joy/delight/triumph": This is a common descriptive phrase, but not a fixed idiom. It describes the type of whoop being made. Example: "She let out a whoop of joy when she heard the good news."
"Whooping cough": This is a medical term, not an idiom, but it's a common phrase that uses "whooping" in a specific context. It refers to a contagious respiratory disease.
Using synonyms or related concepts:
"Shout it from the rooftops": This idiom expresses a similar sentiment to a whoop of joy – announcing something loudly and enthusiastically.
"Cheer someone on": While not using "whoop," this phrase captures the idea of supporting someone with shouts and cheers.
"Raise a cheer": Similar to "give a whoop," this means to shout in support or celebration.
"Holler with delight": "Holler" is a synonym for "whoop" in this context, expressing loud joy.
"Yahoo!": This interjection expresses excitement and is similar in spirit to a whoop. While not a phrase using whoop, it captures the same feeling.
Original or less common phrases:
"Whoop it up!": This is an informal expression of encouragement to celebrate or have fun.
"Whooping and hollering": This phrase is often used (sometimes disapprovingly) to describe loud and boisterous behavior.
"He's a whooper": This is a less common, informal way to describe someone who is very enthusiastic and loud.
As you can see, "whoop" itself doesn't lend itself to many established idioms. However, by using synonyms and related concepts, we can express similar ideas of loud, joyful exclamations. The informal nature of "whoop" also means that many of its uses are more descriptive than idiomatic.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of whoop from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
