hilloa
Definition
- Interjection:
- A call to attract attention: "hilloa" is an archaic or dialectal variant of "hallo" or "hello," used as an exclamation to get someone's attention, similar to "hey there!" or "I say!"
- An expression of surprise: It can also convey mild astonishment or discovery, equivalent to "oh!" or "good heavens!"
Usage Examples
As a call for attention:
- Hilloa! Is anyone there? (A shout to see if someone is present.)
- Hilloa, my good man, could you help me with this luggage? (A polite but loud request for assistance.)
As an expression of surprise:
- Hilloa! What have we here? (An exclamation upon noticing something unexpected.)
- Hilloa, that's a curious sight! (A reaction of mild wonder.)
Advanced Usage
- "to hilloa" (as a verb, rare): to call out or shout in greeting or to attract attention.
- He hilloaed across the field to his friend. (He shouted a greeting or call.)
Variants and Related Words
Hallo (interjection): a common variant, used as a greeting or to call attention.
- Hallo, are you listening to me? (A call to get someone's focus.)
Hello (interjection): the modern standard form of greeting or call.
- Hello, how are you today? (A standard greeting.)
Synonyms
- Hey: an exclamation used to attract attention.
- Hey, wait for me! (A call to stop or listen.)
- Ahoy: a nautical call to attract attention or hail a ship.
- Ahoy there, ship ahoy! (A call from one vessel to another.)
Related Idioms
- Hilloa and farewell: (rare, humorous) a brief or abrupt greeting and departure.
- It was a quick hilloa and farewell at the station. (A very short encounter.)