ho

Everyday

1. A shout to get attention or to show surprise: «Land ho!» means «land ahead!». tree →
2. «Ho ho ho!» is the laugh of Father Christmas (Santa). tree →
3. (rude, slang) A very rude, insulting word for a woman, taken from «whore»; never use it. tree →

In the lessons

In stories sailors shout «Land ho!» when they see land, and Santa laughs «Ho ho ho!». «Westward ho!» means «go west!». The rude slang meaning is offensive and may be heard in songs or films; it is not acceptable at school. Phrases: «Land ho!», «Ho ho ho», «Westward ho!».

Examples

• «Land ho!» shouted the sailor from the mast. tree →
• «Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!» laughed Santa. tree →
• Westward Ho! is a village in Devon. tree →
• «Ho there!» called the guard. tree →
• That word in the song is a rude insult, so we don't say it. tree →

Note

Not to be confused with «hoe» (a garden tool). The rude slang meaning is a slur; avoid it. Also not the Mandarin «hé».

In Jewish tradition

An old call to get attention, like "Hey, listen!"

Interpretation. The prophets use it to call the people and warn them. In Zechariah it calls the exiles to escape from Babylon and come home to Zion.

Examples

• Ho, Zion, escape, thou that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon.' (Prophets ZEC.2.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• Ho, now, thy king, that he may save thee in all thy cities! and thy judges, of whom thou saidst: 'Give me a king and princes!' (Prophets HOS.13.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• Ho, ho, flee then from the land of the north, saith the LORD; for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD. (Prophets ZEC.2.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Not to be confused with «hoe» (a garden tool). The rude slang meaning is a slur; avoid it. Also not the Mandarin «hé».