interjection
hip
A call used to lead into a cheer.
The captain calls “hip, hip” to start the team's cheer.
Etymology
A conventional exclamation, especially before hurrah. Its deeper origin is uncertain; acronym explanations are not reliable.
More examples
- “Hip, hip, hooray!” we shout as the winner steps forward.
- Dad calls “hip, hip,” and everyone answers “hooray!”
- We give the retiring coach a loud “hip, hip, hooray!”
Similar words
- hooray
- Expresses celebration itself rather than leading into a cheer.