Hook 'em Horns

Hookemhorns

Hook 'em Horns is the slogan and hand gesture of The University of Texas at Austin. It is used by students, alumni, and fans of the university's athletic teams to show their support and pride. The gesture is made by extending the index and pinky fingers while holding the middle and ring fingers down with the thumb. It is meant to resemble the head and horns of a longhorn cattle, which is the university's mascot.

Origin

The Hook 'em Horns hand gesture was introduced in 1955. It was created by Harley Clark, who was then the head cheerleader at the University of Texas. Clark first used the gesture at a pep rally on November 12, 1955, before a football game against Texas Christian University (TCU). The gesture quickly gained popularity among the students and supporters of the university and has since become an iconic symbol associated with the school.

Usage

The Hook 'em Horns gesture is widely used at sporting events, especially during the playing of the school's fight song, "The Eyes of Texas," and the alma mater, "Texas Fight." It is also used more broadly as a way for individuals associated with the university to greet each other or show their affiliation. The gesture has become so closely associated with the university that it is often seen as a visual shorthand for the school itself.

Cultural Impact

The Hook 'em Horns gesture has had a significant cultural impact both within and outside the university community. It has been adopted by other institutions and groups, sometimes with variations, and has appeared in various forms of media. The gesture has also been the subject of controversy, particularly when used in countries or cultures where similar gestures have different meanings.

Controversies

While the Hook 'em Horns gesture is a source of pride for the University of Texas community, it has occasionally been met with misunderstanding or controversy. In some cultures, a similar hand gesture is associated with offensive or negative meanings. For example, in Italy, a similar gesture can imply that a man's wife is unfaithful. These cultural differences have sometimes led to misunderstandings when the gesture is used by Americans abroad.

See Also

• The University of Texas at Austin
• College football
• Hand gestures