How to pronounce attaboy
Say it like AT-uh-boy. Attaboy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce attaboy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AT
- uh
- boy
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Attaboy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- boyGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oy" in boy.
American vs British pronunciation of attaboy
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: AT-uh-boy.
What does attaboy mean?
- Used to show encouragement or approval to a boy, man, or male animal.“Attaboy! That's the way to hit a home run!”
- A cry of encouragement; an accolade.
Where does attaboy come from?
A variant pronunciation of That's the boy!, a cry of encouragement, especially to children and pet dogs.
Questions about saying attaboy
How do you pronounce attaboy?
Say AT-uh-boy. The American pronunciation is /ˈætəˌbɔɪ/. In British English it is /ˈætəˌbɔɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in attaboy?
Attaboy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AT). Broken into parts: AT · uh · boy.
Is attaboy pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈætəˌbɔɪ/ (AT-uh-boy).