YOU SAY HUZZAY, AND I SAY HUZZAH!
Author: D. Michael Ryan	Date Published: 2003
Although the years 1774 and 1775 were most difficult in Lincoln and Massachusetts, there were still reasons to give forth an enthusiastic shout of joy and cheer. In the current day reenacting, the terms often used for this emotional outburst are “huzzah” and “hurrah.” According to Capt. Grose’s Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue (1796), the term “huzza” came from the cry of the Hungarian light horse known as huzzars. Eventually this (and presumably goulash) took hold in England as a military and civilian shout. However, according to extensive research by Mark Hilliard, the correct shout, particularly in New England, was “huzzay.” This is quite well documented with one diarist noting that upon the announcement of the alliance with France, “three Whoosais” were given. Of course, as with all things entrenched to the reenacting mind and manner (i.e., calling the musket a “Brown Bess”), changing this cheer or shout to the correct term will be like pulling wooden teeth! Oh well... HUZZAY!
About the Author: D. Michael Ryan is Historian with the Concord and Lincoln Minute Men, an 18th Century volunteer history interpreter with the National Park Service and Associate Dean of Students at Boston College.