holler
HOL-er
/ˈhɒl.ər/
To give a loud shout or cry, typically to attract attention or express excitement.
Very informal and conversational. It often implies calling out to someone over a distance or making a quick, loud exclamation.
The story behind the word. The word 'holler' is an American variant of 'holla', which comes from the Old French 'holà!' (literally 'ho, there!'). It was used to get someone's attention or stop them in their tracks, eventually morphing into a general verb for shouting in the American South and West.
Word relationships
- shout: Shout is the standard, neutral term, while holler is distinctly informal and colloquial.
- yell: Yell often carries a connotation of anger or fear, whereas holler is frequently just for communication or excitement.
- whisper: Whisper is speaking using only breath, which is the quietest possible vocalization.
Commonly confused with
- hollow: Hollow means empty inside, whereas holler is a loud shout.
Word family
- hollered (verb (past)): Shouted or called out informally.
- hollering (noun/adjective): The act of shouting or calling out.
Collocations
- give a holler
- holler for help
- holler at someone
- loud holler
Idioms & expressions
- give me a holler (contact me or let me know)
Example sentences
- "If you see Sarah at the other end of the hallway, holler her name so she stops." An informal situation where someone is trying to get a friend's attention.
- "The fans began to holler and cheer when the quarterback made the touchdown." Describing a casual reaction to good news.
Memory hook
Think of a 'hollow' canyon where you have to 'holler' to hear your own echo. Holler in a hollow canyon.
When not to use
Do not use in formal academic writing, legal briefs, or high-level business reports. Use 'shout' or 'call out' instead.
Fun facts
- In the American South, 'hollerin' is celebrated as a traditional folk art form, with national competitions held to judge the best melodic shouts.
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