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Huzzah (originally '''huzza''') is an old English expression of joy or approbation. According to the '' Oxford English Dictionary '' it is "apparently a mere exclamation" without any particular derivation. The ''OED'' notes, however, that in the 17th and 18th centuries it was identified as a sailor's cheer or salute, and thus was possibly related to words like ''heeze'' and ''hissa'' which are Cognate s of ''hoist''. The word hurrah is a more modern form, also related to similar words in European languages. The ''OED'' states: "In English the form ''hurrah'' is literary and dignified; ''hooray'' is usual in popular acclamation." The term ''huzzah'' has been adopted, with no change in meaning, by modern Gamers and those involved in the Renaissance Fair circuit both of which communities, admittedly, overlap. This was popularized by the comic strip '' Knights Of The Dinner Table ''. It is often associated with the cry of the British redcoats during the American Revolution. Though it is often pronounced with a soft "a" sound at the end (huh-za), a piece entitled ''Essay on Man'' by Alexander Pope suggests that it may originally have been pronounced with an "ay" sound (as in weigh, neigh, or away): Plays round the head, but comes not to the heart. One self-approving hour whole years outweighs Of stupid starers and of loud huzzas; And more true joy Marcellus exil'd feels Than Cæsar with a senate at his heels. In parts superior what advantage lies? Tell (for you can) what is it to be wise? 'T is but to know how little can be known; To see all others' faults, and feel our own. The word plays a part in the genesis of USS Constitution 's famous nickname "Old Ironsides" in the War Of 1812 . During the warship's August 19, 1812, battle with HMS Guerriere (1806) off the coast of Nova Scotia , an unidentified Sailor exclaimed, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!", something of a joke as Ironclad ships did not popularly exist at the time. |
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