Tallyhoed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Cultural Significance

• In British hunting culture, shouts of 'tallyho' mark the moment a fox is sighted, creating a sense of thrill.
• The phrase has evolved beyond hunting into popular culture, being used symbolically for any thrilling adventure.
• In some depictions, 'tallyhoed' is associated with camaraderie among hunters, displaying a shared excitement.

Literature

• Tallyho appears in works by authors like E.H. Bickersteth and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, enhancing hunting scenes with excitement.
• The phrase captures not just the action of hunting, but the emotions tied to adventure and pursuit.
• It is frequently invoked in stories portraying the British countryside, reflecting historical traditions.

Media

• In films and books about fox hunting, characters often shout 'tallyho' to convey adrenaline and excitement during chases.
• Popular cartoons use exaggerated cries of 'tallyho!' to depict characters embarking on wild adventures.
• The term has been used in various songs and plays, often encapsulating the theme of taking flight or adventure.

Main points about word origin

• 'Tallyho' originates from a hunting call in 18th-century England, used by fox hunters.
• The word is believed to be a corruption of the French phrase 'tali-ho,' which means 'there it goes.'
• This form 'tallyhoed' is often used in literature to describe the excitement of a hunt.

The term 'tally-ho' originated in England and is closely associated with fox hunting. The phrase is believed to have derived from the French word 'taille haut,' which means 'to cut high.' It was used to indicate that the fox was on the run, allowing hounds and riders to give chase. The popularity of 'tally-ho' grew during the 18th and 19th centuries, as hunting became a favored pastime among the English aristocracy. With the rise of the British fox hunting tradition, the term became synonymous with the excitement of the hunt, and 'tallyhoed' emerged as a verb form. As the practice of fox hunting evolved, so did the language surrounding it, and 'tally-ho' has remained a colorful expression representing the thrill of the chase.