ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Cooee

Cooee is a way of calling or getting someone’s attention in Australia. It’s like saying “hello” really loudly, but instead of using your voice, you make a high-pitched, loud noise by cupping your hands around your mouth and shouting out the word “cooee!”.

It can be really helpful when you’re lost in the bush or need to find your friends at the park. The sound travels a long way and echoes through the trees, so they can hear you from far away.

Some people also use it as a way of saying “I’m over here” when they’re trying to find someone. For example, if you’re at a crowded beach and you can’t find your family, you might shout out “cooee” so they can hear you and come over to where you are.

Overall, cooee is a fun way to get someone’s attention and quickly communicate with others when you’re far away. It’s a word that’s unique to Australia and has been used by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years.