Say it like this
- I want to callout the performance issue in this PR
- Quick callout: we need to test this before launch
- Let me callout some key metrics from the sprint
Use it at work
Highlighting risk
- One callout: the migration needs a short downtime.
- Key callouts are in bold at the top of the doc.
Giving praise
- Shoutout and callout to Sam for a great demo.
- Thanks for the callout in the all-hands.
In design
- Add a callout box for the warning on this page.
- The callout should be yellow, not red.
Don't say this
The object (what you are highlighting) comes directly after 'callout', not after 'to'.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| callout | Something you point out or highlight | Anyone | Updates, docs |
| shoutout | Public thanks or praise | Anyone | Slack, all-hands |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your team found a critical security flaw. How would you mention it in a meeting?
2. During the retrospective, the tech lead decided to _______ the team for improving code quality this sprint.
3. Which sentence uses 'callout' incorrectly?
4. Rewrite this in natural tech English using 'callout' or 'call out': 'I need to mention something important—there is a bug in the API that could break the integration.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"I want to callout the performance issue in this PR"
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More about callout
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"I want to callout that we found a critical bug in the payment module yesterday."
- in a code review
"I'm going to callout this SQL injection risk—we need to use parameterized queries here."
- in a team meeting
"I want to callout Sarah's work on the deployment pipeline; it cut our release time in half."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Do not confuse with shouting or yelling. A callout is a deliberate mention or highlight, not just any loud voice.
- ✕I callout you for being late.✓I want to callout your lateness in the meeting.
Callout is usually used to highlight issues or achievements, not to blame individuals directly. Use more diplomatic phrasing.
- ✕We callouted the problem yesterday.✓We called out the problem yesterday.
As a noun, 'callout' does not have a past tense form 'callouted'. Use 'called out' (phrasal verb) or 'made a callout' instead.
Other forms(2)
- callout noun
"The QA team made an important callout about the regression in the login flow."
- call out phrase
"We need to call out this performance issue before the demo tomorrow."
Often used with(4)
- make a callout · To explicitly draw attention to something; 'I want to make a callout about the deadline change.'
- quick callout · A brief highlight or mention; 'Quick callout: remember to update the documentation.'
- callout to · To mention or recognize someone or something; 'A callout to the DevOps team for their hard work.'
- special callout · An important or specific highlight; 'Special callout for the new logging feature.'
Similar words(4)
- highlight · More general; does not always imply speaking or mentioning it aloud.
- mention · More neutral; does not emphasize importance as strongly as callout.
- flag · Often used for problems specifically; more technical than callout.
- shout-out · More informal and celebratory; usually for recognition rather than problems.
Opposites(3)
- overlook
- ignore
- hide
Questions(5)
- What does callout mean in software engineering?
- A callout is when you deliberately highlight or draw attention to something important—such as a bug, achievement, or critical information—in a meeting, presentation, or communication. It is a way to make sure others notice and focus on what you consider significant.
- How do you use callout in a sentence at work?
- You can use it as a noun: 'I want to make a callout about the deadline change' or 'There was a special callout for the team effort.' You can also use the phrasal verb 'call out': 'We need to call out this bug before it reaches production.'
- Is callout formal or informal?
- Callout is neutral and professional. It is appropriate in both casual Slack messages and formal meetings. However, context matters: a 'callout' for a problem is direct; a 'special callout' for recognition is celebratory.
- What is the difference between callout and shout-out?
- Shout-out is more informal and celebratory, usually for recognition or praise. Callout is broader and can be used for problems, achievements, or important information. Both can be used in tech workplaces, but callout is more professional.
- Can you use callout as a verb?
- Technically, callout is primarily a noun. However, the phrasal verb 'call out' is common: 'We called out the security issue.' Do not use 'callouted' as a past tense—it is not correct English.
