What does shoo mean?
“Shoo” is a familiar English command meaning “go away,” especially when spoken to an animal that is causing a nuisance. It is also used as a verb: “shoo away” means to drive or send away an animal or person, often with a gesture or shout. The interjection can express genuine irritation, as when someone says “Shoo!” to a crow repeatedly stealing food, but it can also be humorous or affectionate when used with children or pets. Although its tone can be harsh, the word is generally less confrontational than an oath or a formal demand. Its simplicity makes it particularly useful for describing an everyday attempt to clear a space, stop an animal from approaching, or send someone playfully on their way. In modern English, “shoo” remains especially associated with commands addressed to animals rather than people.
An exclamation used to tell an animal or person to go away, often in annoyance or playfully.
"“Shoo!” said the farmer, scattering the hens."
The tone may range from playful to impatient, depending on context and the person addressed.
To drive or send away an animal or person, especially by calling or making a gesture.
"He shooed the pigeons away from the statue."
Common in everyday speech and particularly frequent with animals.
Shoo began as a way to hush animals: the word itself sounds like a gentle version of the hiss it was meant to produce.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shoo come from?
“Shoo” is an English interjection and verb attested from early modern English. Its formation is probably imitative, resembling the hiss or hush used to quiet or drive away animals. Over time, its use broadened from addressing animals to expressing annoyance at a person and from making a hissing sound to driving someone or something away.
Related word forms
How shoo is actually used
The expression is direct and familiar. It may sound affectionate or playful when directed at children or pets, but can be brusque when used toward adults.
Easily confused with shoo
“Shoo” is a command for someone or an animal to go away, whereas “shoosh” is a sound made by moving air quietly or a request to keep quiet.