What is the "hut hut" sound that American football players make when they're in training?
Michael Cullen, Dublin
- It's a signal to the other players to hike the ball (start play). Probably a short form of "ten hut" meaning "attention", used by the military.
Lucie Thompson, Orlando, USA
- the term comes from a famous player of the Notre Dame team of the 1890's, Jeff Hudson (the difference between 'd' and 't' being almost impossible to spot, especially in the heated atmosphere invariably prevailing). As the players went on to play with other teams it would seem they continued to call "hud, hud", and so the term passed into history.
Donal Owens, Cork, Ireland
Well, gather 'round, sports enthusiasts! When it comes to the "hut hut" sound in American football, it's more than just a couple of syllables—it's a piece of gridiron history. Now, let me break it down for you with the precision of a quarterback's pass.
The "hut hut" cadence you hear during football training is indeed a signal, but its roots delve deep into the annals of American football lore. One plausible origin is the military influence, where "ten hut" is a command for attention. Imagine the football field as a battlefield, and the quarterback as the commander rallying the troops.
However, a fascinating twist to this tale emerges from the Notre Dame team of the 1890s, starring the legendary Jeff Hudson. As the story goes, the players, including Hudson, would shout "hud, hud" during their plays. Now, here's the kicker—due to the phonetic similarity between 'd' and 't,' the term morphed into the iconic "hut hut" that resonates across football fields today.
This isn't just hearsay; it's a slice of football history served on a silver platter of evidence. So, the next time you hear that rhythmic "hut hut," remember, it's not just a signal; it's a nod to the heritage of the game.
