Hooray Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hooray

[hสŠหˆreษช ]

Definition

Context #1 | Interjection

expression of joy

Hooray is an exclamation used to express joy, approval, or excitement. It is often shouted in a celebratory manner during events like parties, achievements, or happy occasions.

Synonyms

hurrah, huzzah, yay.

Examples of usage

  • Hooray! We won the game!
  • She shouted hooray when she opened her birthday present.
  • Hooray for the bride and groom!
  • The crowd erupted in hooray as the fireworks started.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures have their own celebratory sounds, such as 'Banzai' in Japan or 'Ole' in Spain, but 'hooray' has become a universal cheer for joy.
  • In modern culture, the word 'hooray' is often associated with events like birthdays, graduations, and sports victories.
  • Celebrations in children's movies often feature the word, highlighting its role in expressing happiness and success.

Psychology

  • Shouting 'hooray' can boost mood and help release endorphins, which are feel-good hormones, enhancing feelings of joy.
  • Engaging in spontaneous cheering can create a sense of community, fostering social bonds among groups of people.
  • Psychological studies show that expressing joy vocally may improve overall emotional well-being and promote positive outlooks.

Usage in Literature

  • The word appears in many children's books and poems, often associated with celebrations and happy endings, teaching kids to express joy.
  • In classic literature, phrases similar to 'hooray' symbolize societal celebration, reflecting cultural milestones or achievements.
  • Many authors use 'hooray' to create an upbeat, lighthearted tone in stories, encouraging readers to feel excited or delighted.

Pop Culture

  • 'Hooray' has been popularized in various songs and movies, often as a rallying cry during joyous moments.
  • It's frequently used in sports contexts, especially during games, where crowds chant 'Hooray!' when their team scores.
  • Characters from cartoons often use 'hooray' to express excitement, making it a recognizable phrase for children and adults alike.

Origin of 'hooray'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hooray' is believed to have originated from the mid-19th century, deriving from the earlier word 'hurrah,' used to cheer or celebrate.
  • It may be connected to an older expression 'hurray' used in military contexts to raise morale among troops.
  • The word has traveled through various languages, often maintaining its joyful and celebratory connotation.

The word 'hooray' originates from the late 19th century as a variation of 'hurrah', which has its roots in the earlier interjections used by sailors and soldiers. The precise origin of 'hurrah' is uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from the German word 'hurra', which was a rallying cry. The transition into 'hooray' was influenced by phonetic changes and the desire for a more cheerful expression of triumph and celebration. Over the years, 'hooray' has been cemented in various cultures as a common celebratory term, used during festive occasions and joyful moments, reflecting human expressions of elation and community spirit.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,756, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.