The spelling of the word "who who" is quite straightforward when using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first "who" is pronounced as "hu" with a stressed "h" sound, followed by a short "u" sound. The second "who" is pronounced as "hu" with a glottal stop in between. The glottal stop is represented in IPA by a small upside-down "t" symbol. So the proper spelling of "who who" in IPA would be: /hu ˈhu/. With this knowledge, its pronunciation should no longer be a mystery to anyone.
"Who who" is a phrase derived from the sound of an owl's call. It is an onomatopoeic representation of the unique hooting sound made by certain species of owls. The phrase is often repeated twice in quick succession, akin to the owl's natural vocalization pattern. "Who who" is typically used to describe the distinctive call of an owl in various contexts, such as in literature, movies, and folklore.
The repeated utterance of "who who" is commonly employed to create an atmosphere of mystery, darkness, or foreboding. It is often associated with night, as owls are primarily nocturnal creatures, adding to the eerie connotation of the phrase. The haunting sound of an owl's call, represented by "who who," has historically been linked to supernatural legends and beliefs in many cultures.
Furthermore, the expression "who who" is sometimes used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is wise, observant, or perceptive. This association stems from the common interpretation of owls as symbols of wisdom and knowledge. In this context, "who who" implies the ability to discern and understand hidden truths, similar to the reputed attributes of an owl.
In summary, "who who" refers to the sound made by owls, typifying its eerie and mysterious characteristics. Additionally, the phrase can convey the idea of wisdom and perceptiveness.
The term "who who" does not have a specific etymology on its own. However, it is possible that you are referencing the phrase "hoo hoo", which is the call or sound made by an owl. In this case, "hoo hoo" is mimetic, meaning it imitates the actual sound made by the owl. Mimetic words often don't have a distinct etymology but are created based on the sounds they imitate.