meaning - The word 'Yahoo'


In my country, people use the word "Yahoo" as an expression of enthusiasm, joy, jubiliation and victory.


What is the origin and original meaning of the word yahoo? As for that matter, what is most commonly accepted meaning of the word today? Is it commonly used as an expressive word nowadays? Or, is it the case that it is just the popular website, and the word has otherwise become redundant?



Answer



The word yahoo can be used in English in the same way you mention, that is, as a cheer. In fact, some commercials for the company Yahoo! actually ends with someone yelling/singing "Yahooooo!".


It can also refer to an uncultured or brutish person. This usage was coined by Jonathan Swift in Gulliver's Travels, where Yahoo was a race of brutes.


Finally, as you hinted at, because of the success of the company Yahoo!, it's probably more common to hear it referring to the company rather than one of the other meanings. That being said, it has not at this point become so conjoined with the company that no one would understand if you cheered "Yahoo" or referred to a group as "a bunch of yahoos."


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