Spree vs. Toot — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
A spree typically refers to a short, lively period of activity, while a toot can mean a short, sharp sound or a binge of drinking.
Difference Between Spree and Toot
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A spree is often used to describe a period of unrestrained activity in shopping or fun, indicating excitement and indulgence. On the other hand, toot is frequently used colloquially to refer to a session of drinking or, more innocently, the sound made by a horn or whistle.
When people talk about going on a spree, they usually mean engaging in a burst of activities like spending or enjoyment, suggesting a positive and energetic undertaking. Whereas, when someone mentions going on a toot, it typically implies excessive drinking, often carrying a negative connotation.
The term spree can also be part of phrases like "shopping spree" or "killing spree," showing versatility in contexts from the mundane to the extreme. Conversely, toot, aside from its drinking-related meaning, is more limited, often relating to the noise produced by cars, trains, or party noisemakers.
Spree does not have a verb form and is primarily a noun, emphasizing actions or events. On the other hand, toot functions as both a noun and a verb, describing both the act of making a sound and the sound itself.
Culturally, a spree is associated with excitement and often positive experiences, unless used in a negative context like "crime spree." In contrast, a toot, especially in its form related to drinking, is less likely to be seen in a positive light, highlighting behavioral excess.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A period of unrestrained activity
A short, sharp sound or a drinking binge
Common Uses
Shopping spree, crime spree
Horn toot, drinking toot
Connotation
Generally positive, can be negative
Often negative or neutral
Part of Speech
Noun
Noun, Verb
Cultural Associations
Fun, indulgence, sometimes violence
Noise, excess drinking, informality
Compare with Definitions
Spree
A period of unrestrained activity.
She went on a shopping spree at the mall.
Toot
Informal term for a bout of drinking.
He went on a toot last Friday.
Spree
A vigorous or enthusiastic pursuit of an activity.
They went on a decorating spree before the holidays.
Toot
Used to describe a brief, loud sound.
Every morning the train toots as it approaches the station.
Spree
Used in phrases to denote an extended effort, often negative.
The city was troubled by a crime spree.
Toot
A short, sharp sound made typically by a horn.
The car gave a quick toot as it passed by.
Spree
A burst of activity in a specific context.
The team went on a winning spree in the championship.
Toot
To make a horn sound.
She tooted the whistle to gather everyone's attention.
Spree
A series of continuous actions.
He indulged in a gaming spree all weekend.
Toot
Colloquially, to describe excessive drinking sessions.
Their weekend was lost to another toot.
Spree
A sudden indulgence in or outburst of an activity
A shopping spree.
A crime spree.
Toot
A short, sharp sound made by a horn, trumpet, or similar instrument
The blue van's familiar toots
An accidental toot from the saxophonist
Spree
A carefree, lively outing.
Toot
A snort of a drug, especially cocaine
He still likes a toot
Spree
(in combination) Uninhibited activity.
Spending spree
Toot
A spell of drinking and lively enjoyment; a spree
A sales manager on a toot
Spree
(dated) A merry frolic; especially, a drinking frolic.
Toot
Sound (a horn or similar) with a short, sharp sound
An impatient motorist tooted a horn
Spree
To engage in a spree.
Toot
Snort (cocaine)
The drawbacks of tooting cocaine
Spree
A merry frolic; especially, a drinking frolic; a carousal.
Toot
To sound a horn or whistle in short blasts.
Spree
A brief indulgence of your impulses
Toot
To make the sound of a horn or whistle blown in short blasts or a sound resembling it.
Spree
Engage withour restraint in an activity and indulge, as when shopping
Toot
(Slang) To snort cocaine.
Toot
To blow or sound (a horn or whistle).
Toot
To sound (a blast, for example) on a horn or whistle.
Toot
(Slang) To snort (cocaine).
Toot
A blast, as of a horn.
Toot
(Slang) A drinking binge.
Toot
(Slang) Cocaine, especially a small amount snorted at one time.
Toot
The noise of a horn or whistle.
He gave a little toot of the horn, to get their attention.
Toot
A fart; flatus.
Toot
Cocaine.
Toot
A portion of cocaine that a person snorts.
Toot
(informal) A spree of drunkenness.
Toot
Rubbish; tat.
I'm not paying fifty pounds for this load of old toot!
Toot
(internet) A message on the social networking software Mastodon.
Toot
A toilet.
Toot
To stand out, or be prominent.
Toot
To peep; to look narrowly.
Toot
To see; to spy.
Toot
(slang) To flatulate.
Toot
To make the sound of a horn or whistle.
Toot
To cause a horn or whistle to make its sound.
Toot
(intransitive) Of a queen bee: to make a high-pitched sound during certain stages of development.
Toot
(slang) To go on a drinking binge.
Toot
(slang) To snort (a recreational drug).
Toot
(internet) To post a message on a Mastodon instance (a self-hosted version of the networking software).
Toot
To stand out, or be prominent.
Toot
To peep; to look narrowly.
For birds in bushes tooting.
Toot
To see; to spy.
Toot
To blow or sound a horn; to make similar noise by contact of the tongue with the root of the upper teeth at the beginning and end of the sound; also, to give forth such a sound, as a horn when blown.
Tooting horns and rattling teams of mail coaches.
Toot
To cause to sound, as a horn, the note being modified at the beginning and end as if by pronouncing the letter t; to blow; to sound.
Toot
A blast of a horn
Toot
Revelry in drinking; a merry drinking party
Toot
Make a loud noise;
The horns of the taxis blared
Common Curiosities
Is toot always related to sound?
No, toot can also refer to drinking, but it commonly describes a sound made by horns or whistles.
How are spree and toot different in terms of activity?
A spree usually involves doing something actively and energetically, while a toot can imply passive activity, like drinking or making noise.
What does it mean to go on a spree?
Going on a spree refers to engaging in a burst of activities, often enjoyable or indulgent.
Can spree be used in a negative context?
Yes, it can be used negatively as in "crime spree."
Does the term "toot" have a positive or negative connotation when referring to sound?
When referring to sound, "toot" is usually neutral or slightly humorous, suggesting a brief, often high-pitched noise.
What does toot mean in a social context?
In social contexts, toot often refers to a binge drinking session.
Is "toot" commonly used in formal communication?
"Toot" is generally considered informal and is rarely used in formal communication, especially when referring to the act of drinking.
How does the context change the meaning of "spree"?
The context can significantly change the meaning of "spree," from fun and indulgence in a shopping spree to danger in a crime spree.
What are the usual durations of a spree and a toot?
A spree can last from a few hours to several days, depending on the activity, whereas a toot, especially if it refers to drinking, usually lasts for an evening or a night.
Can "spree" and "toot" be used interchangeably in any context?
No, "spree" and "toot" cannot be used interchangeably as they refer to different types of activities and contexts.
Can "toot" be used to describe behaviors other than drinking or making sounds?
Primarily, "toot" is used for sounds and informal drinking contexts, but it is not typically used to describe other behaviors.
What activities typically involve a spree?
Activities like shopping, gaming, or even criminal actions can be described as sprees.
Can a spree be planned or is it always spontaneous?
A spree can be either planned, like a shopping spree, or spontaneous, like an impromptu spree of creativity.
What are the implications of using "toot" in a professional setting?
Using "toot" in a professional setting, especially referring to drinking, could be viewed as unprofessional or too casual.
Are there any specific locations or events associated with sprees?
Spree is often associated with places like malls for shopping sprees or various venues for festive or celebratory sprees.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
