How Do You Spell SHOO AWAY?

Pronunciation: [ʃˈuː ɐwˈe͡ɪ] (IPA)

The spelling of the commonly-used phrase "shoo away" is interesting phonetically because the "oo" sound is typically pronounced as one vowel sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, "shoo away" would be spelled as /ʃuː əˈweɪ/. The combination of the "sh" consonant sound followed by the long "oo" vowel sound creates a natural, easy-to-say sound. The "a" vowel in "away" is pronounced with the short sound, adding a contrasting sound to the phrase. Overall, the spelling of "shoo away" accurately represents its distinct pronunciation.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Basic Check Advanced Check

SHOO AWAY Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "shoo away" is said to be an idiomatic expression, primarily used in informal contexts, with a dual meaning related to urging someone to leave or removing unwanted creatures or objects. The phrase encompasses a sense of disapproval or annoyance towards someone's presence or activity. In one sense, "shoo away" means to verbally or gesturally make someone leave a place or to stop bothering oneself or others. It connotes a desire to dismiss someone hastily or forcefully, commonly with an imperative tone. For instance, if a person is interfering with a personal conversation, they may be shooed away to keep the conversation private.

    In another sense, "shoo away" can refer to the act of driving away animals or pests using similar methods. It entails attempting to scare or deter creatures like birds, flies, or rodents from a particular area by shouting, waving arms, or making noise to startle or intimidate them. This usage is often associated with the act of physically repelling or removing unwelcome creatures to maintain hygiene, safety, or protect belongings. For example, if a flock of seagulls is loitering around a picnic area, individuals may try to shoo them away to prevent them from stealing food or causing a disturbance.

    Overall, "shoo away" encompasses the actions of urging someone to leave or removing unwanted beings or objects through verbal or gestural means, typically driven by annoyance, disapproval, or the desire to maintain order and tranquility in a given situation.

Common Misspellings for SHOO AWAY

Etymology of SHOO AWAY

The word "shoo" comes from an Old English word "scēoh" which meant "to drive away" or "to frighten". It originated from the Proto-Germanic word "skōhwaną" and has cognates in other Germanic languages such as German "scheuchen" and Dutch "schuwen". Over time, "scēoh" evolved into "shoo" in Middle English. The addition of "away" intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the act of driving or sending something away. Therefore, "shoo away" means to use a sound or gesture to scare or drive away something or someone.

Similar spelling words for SHOO AWAY

Infographic

Correct spelling for shoo away
Add the infographic to your website: