Word Origin & History
hootc.1200, "to call or shout in disapproval or scorn," related to houten, huten "to shout, call out" (early 13c.), probably imitative. First used of bird cries, especially that of the owl, mid-15c. The noun meaning "a laugh, something funny" is first recorded 1942. Slang sense of "smallest amount or particle"
(esp. in don't give a hoot) is from 1878.