Cooee

/ˈkuːi/ noun, verb

Definition

A loud call or yell, particularly an Australian cry used to attract attention across distances, or to make such a call.

Etymology

From Australian Aboriginal origin, likely from Dharug or neighboring languages. The term was adopted by English settlers in Australia as a practical word for long-distance signaling that worked better in open bush country than English calls.

Kelly Says

Cooee is one of the few Aboriginal words that became standard across all of Australian English because it filled a real practical need—European calls couldn't carry as far in the Australian landscape, so settlers adopted the Indigenous solution, literally keeping their voices alive in the land.

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