whoop-de-do

or whoop-de-doo

[ hoop-dee-doo, -doo, hoop-, hwoop-, hwoop-, woop-, woop- ]

noun

, Informal.

, plural whoop-de-dos.

1. lively and noisy festivities; merrymaking:

   New Year's Eve whoop-de-do.

2. heated discussion or debate, especially in public:

   a whoop-de-do over the new tax bill.

3. extravagant publicity or fanfare:

   the whoop-de-do of a movie premiere.

Word History and Origins

Origin of whoop-de-do¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; origin uncertain; whoop

Example Sentences

“I don’t think the relationship with the Republican president was a whoop-de-do for anyone,” she said.

From New York Times

She said, “It’s all mine and whoop-de-do and who cares? I never wanted it in the first place, especially the alligator. But that’s how it goes around here. Divorce settlement. You end up with all kinds of things you don’t want.”

From Literature

“Whoop-de-do and so what?” said Beverly from up ahead.

From Literature

“I dont mind her staying locked up in her room all day if she wants to. But I cant have all this whoop-de-do and sulking at mealtimes. I know that’s a lot to ask her, but I’m that way in my own house. Your house, I meant to say.”

From Literature

If anyone has standing to disapprove, it’s the person who rose up from nothing on her own merits over people whose biggest whoop-de-do accomplishment was being born.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• debauchery
• festivity