Definition of the word cooee

The word "cooee" is an Australian Aboriginal word that means "here" or "come here" in some dialects. It is believed to have originated from the Gamilaraay language of the Yuwaalaraay people, who are indigenous to the regions of northern New South Wales and southeastern Queensland. In traditional Aboriginal hunting practices, the word was shouted to alert other members of the community about the location of prey or to signal for help. The distinct two-syllable sound of "cooee" is thought to mimic the call of the Australian black cockatoo, which is a common bird in the region where the word originated. The word gained wider popularity during World War I when it was adopted by Australian soldiers to signal to each other across long distances. The distinctive yell of "cooee" became a part of Australian military culture and has since been used as a traditional greeting among the Australian public. In summary, the origin of the word "cooee" can be traced back to the Gamilaraay dialect of the Yuwaalaraay people, where it was used as a call and response signal in traditional hunting practices. Its unique sound, which is reminiscent of the call of the Australian black cockatoo, has contributed to its enduring significance and popularity in Australian culture.