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Literary notes about toot (AI summary)

Literary works employ “toot” with a rich variety of functions. In some instances, it is used onomatopoetically—to mimic the sound of horns, whistles, or even musical instruments—as when a motor horn signals a departure ([1], [2], [3]) or a trumpet preludes a royal decree ([4]). In other contexts the term takes on a humorous, even metaphorical role, suggesting self-promotion or boastfulness, as seen when a character is encouraged to “toot his own horn” ([5], [6]). Additionally, its rhythmic repetition and placement within dialogue or narrative prose lend a playful, vibrant auditory quality to the text, evoking scenes of celebration or pivotal action ([7], [8], [9]).
  1. A rush and a roar, a sudden pull back, A "toot! toot!
    — from The Pansy Magazine, February 1886 by Various
  2. At the same time, the freight’s heavy engine gave a sharp toot.
    — from Dan Carter and the Great Carved Face by Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
  3. It was precisely at this moment that the toot of a motor horn was heard.
    — from Mrs. Fitz by J. C. (John Collis) Snaith
  4. " "Toot! toot! toot!" rang out the flourish of a trumpet, a clarion prelude to the fiat from the throne.
    — from Under the Rose by Frederic Stewart Isham
  5. In self-defense I got to toot my own horn, like a lawyer defending a client—his bounden duty, ain't it, to bring out the poor dub's good points?
    — from Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis
  6. Just go in and toot your horn, if you don’t sell a clam.
    — from Roughing It by Mark Twain
  7. "You mean that young swell whose business it is to drive a four-in-hand to Yonkers and back, and toot on a horn?"
    — from The Complete Project Gutenberg Writings of Charles Dudley Warner by Charles Dudley Warner
  8. He blew on his horn, " Toot, toot, toot !"
    — from The Nursery, Volume 17, No. 101, May, 1875 A Monthly Magazine for Youngest Readers by Various
  9. When we get to the entrance—the outside gate, I mean—we’ll toot the horn three times.
    — from The Orchard SecretArden Blake Mystery Series #1 by Cleo F. Garis

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