hoi

Forms

hoi^[1]

Etymology

Its origin is uncertain.^[2][1] The EWN suggests that it may be a variant of exclamations such as ho and hé, or else a shortening of ahoi, although the longer word may equally be an extension of hoi.^[2][3] Van Veen and Van der Sijs regard it, like ahoy, as a spontaneous formation.^[4] Wiktionary also considers a borrowing of the English interjection or of Middle English hoy.^[1]

Earliest recorded meaning

The oldest record, from 1552, is a cry of triumph in a proverb: Sy ruepen al hoy eer sy over die graft sijn ghesprongen, “they shout hoy before they have jumped over the ditch”, said of people who rejoice before they have achieved what they want.^[5][2]

Semantic evolution

For centuries hoi was mainly a shout of joy or exuberance.^[2][5] In the 20th century it appears in rhythmic cries: hoj hup in 1937 and hiep hoi in 1947, called out by men pushing a heavy post, a use the dictionary connects with work that needs force.^[5][2]

As a greeting it is only 20th-century: the first record is from 1956, Hoy natuurmensen, het Paaskamp is helaas weer achter de rug, “Hi, nature people, the Easter camp is over again, unfortunately”.^[2][5][6] Van Veen and Van der Sijs date the word to after 1950.^[4] It is now an informal greeting of the Netherlands, also used when taking leave, while the shout of joy has become dated.^[1][7]

Timeline

• 1552 – Hoy is a cry of triumph in a proverb.^[5][2]
• 1937 – Hoj hup is used as a loud call.^[5]
• 1947 – Hiep hoi accompanies heavy work.^[5][2]
• 1956 – Hoi is first recorded as a greeting.^[2][6]

Meanings

Interjection

1. (Netherlands, informal) hi, hello: an informal greeting.^[7][1][3]
2. (Netherlands, informal) bye: said when someone leaves.^[1]
3. (dated) a cry of joy or exuberance.^[7][1][5]

Word family

• hoihoi

Related words

• ahoi
• ho
• hallo
• English ahoy

Usage notes

The proverb al hoi roepen eer men over de gracht is, to cheer before one has jumped the ditch, means to celebrate a success too early, much like selling the bearskin before the bear is shot.^[5]

References

1. ^ a b c d e f g h Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Philippa, Marlies; Debrabandere, Frans; Quak, Arend; Schoonheim, Tanneke; Sijs, Nicoline van der (2003–2009), Etymologisch woordenboek van het Nederlands, 4 vols., Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press; online via etymologiebank.nl
3. ^ a b WikiWoordenboek (Dutch Wiktionary), nl.wiktionary.org
4. ^ a b Veen, P. A. F. van; Sijs, Nicoline van der (1997), Etymologisch woordenboek: de herkomst van onze woorden, 2nd ed., Utrecht / Antwerpen: Van Dale Lexicografie
5. ^ a b c d e f g h i Vries, Matthias de; Winkel, L. A. te, et al. (1882–1998), Woordenboek der Nederlandsche Taal, 29 vols., 's-Gravenhage / Leiden: Nijhoff / Sijthoff / SDU; supplement 2001; gtb.ivdnt.org
6. ^ a b Sijs, Nicoline van der (2001), Chronologisch woordenboek: de ouderdom en herkomst van onze woorden en betekenissen, Amsterdam / Antwerpen: Veen
7. ^ a b c Van Dale Groot woordenboek hedendaags Nederlands (2014), Utrecht / Antwerpen: Van Dale Uitgevers