French word of the Day: Hourra !
Want to express joy? Here's a classic French way of doing that, which was first borrowed from the English in the 16th century.
Why do I need to know Hourra?
Because you might want to express some joy as France's cafés, bars and gyms fully reopen and curfew moves back - so here is a very enthusiastic way to do so.
What does it mean?
Hourra is French for “hooray” and according to Le Petit Robert dictionary, this happy word comes from the English ‘hussa’ which in turn was borrowed from the Russians.
The actual hourra was first used in France in the 17th century as the word houzaye.
It described “a cry of joy traditionally used by the English who pronounced it ‘houzai’” - according to the dictionary, it was particularly popular among English sailors in the 16th century, who used it to honour their commanders.
It’s not far from Youpi, another a cry of joy to show that you are excited about something, but hourra is usually used when you have won something.
Use it like this
Hip, hip, hip hourra – Hip hip hip hooray
Hourra j’ai gagné ! – Hooray I won!
Synonyms
Youpi – Yippee
Acclamer – Cheers
Bravo – Bravo
Comments
See Also
Why do I need to know Hourra?
Because you might want to express some joy as France's cafés, bars and gyms fully reopen and curfew moves back - so here is a very enthusiastic way to do so.
What does it mean?
Hourra is French for “hooray” and according to Le Petit Robert dictionary, this happy word comes from the English ‘hussa’ which in turn was borrowed from the Russians.
The actual hourra was first used in France in the 17th century as the word houzaye.
It described “a cry of joy traditionally used by the English who pronounced it ‘houzai’” - according to the dictionary, it was particularly popular among English sailors in the 16th century, who used it to honour their commanders.
It’s not far from Youpi, another a cry of joy to show that you are excited about something, but hourra is usually used when you have won something.
Use it like this
Hip, hip, hip hourra – Hip hip hip hooray
Hourra j’ai gagné ! – Hooray I won!
Synonyms
Youpi – Yippee
Acclamer – Cheers
Bravo – Bravo
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.