How Do You Spell COOEY?

Pronunciation: [kˈuːɪ] (IPA)

The word "cooey" is a colloquialism used mainly in Australia and England. It is a call or shout used to attract someone's attention, often in remote or outdoor locations. The phonetic transcription of "cooey" is /ˈkuːiː/. This is pronounced with a long "oo" sound, emphasized on the first syllable, and ending with an "ee" sound. The spelling of this word is unique and not commonly used in other languages, making it a distinctive feature of the Australian and English dialects.

COOEY Meaning and Definition

1. Cooey, a noun, is a term primarily used in Australian and British English to describe a distinctive sound or call designed to attract attention or get someone's attention. Typically, it is a high-pitched, shrill sound made by humans or animals.

   In Australian English, the term "cooey" is often associated with the bush and wilderness, where it is used as a means of communication over long distances. It was historically used by Aboriginal Australians as a form of long-distance communication, in which a person would emit a sharp, prolonged call to attract the attention of others nearby.

   In British English, "cooey" is more commonly used to describe a simple, distinctive call or shout made to gain someone's attention or to signal one's presence. It is often considered an informal and friendly way of getting someone's attention, expressing a desire for them to respond or pay attention to the caller.

   The term can also be used as a verb, "to cooey," particularly in Australian English, to describe the act of emitting or making a cooey sound or call. It can be used metaphorically or figuratively to describe any action or attempt to attract someone's attention, often in a friendly or emphatic manner. Overall, "cooey" represents a unique form of communication through sound, primarily used to connect and signal one's presence to others.

2. • To utter a peculiar whistling sound.

   • A peculiar whistling sound uttered by persons in the woods or deserts of Australia in order to indicate to friends their exact position.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for COOEY

• cowey
• couy
• couey
• cwey
• cioey
• c0oey
• c9oey
• coiey
• co0ey
• co9ey
• coo4y
• coo3y
• cooe6
• xcooey
• cxooey
• vcooey
• cvooey
• fcooey
• cfooey
• dcooey

Etymology of COOEY

The word "cooey" has its origins in Australian English. It is believed to have originated from the Dharug language, which was spoken by the indigenous people of the Sydney region in Australia. In Dharug, "guugu y’imidhirr", which means "come here", is pronounced as "goo-ee". This phrase was later adopted by European settlers and transformed into "cooee" or "cooey".

In Australia, "cooee" is primarily used as a loud, ringing call to attract attention or to locate someone in the bush or wilderness. It has become a distinct Australian expression and is often used colloquially, especially in rural areas. The word's etymology highlights the cultural influence and integration of Aboriginal languages into Australian English.

Plural form of COOEY is COOEYS