hootenanny

English

Etymology 1

Unknown; potentially Scottish. Use is tied to the Appalachian culture in the US.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈhutənæni/ SAMPA: /"hU:t@n{ni:/

Noun

hootenanny (plural hootenannies)

1. (obsolete) A Placeholder word for a nonspecific or forgotten thing (see thingamajig, whatchamacallit)
2. An informal, festive performance by folk singers, often including audience participation with the use of acoustic instruments.