tally-ho
C2 / Very Rare / Archaic (in literal hunting context)Informal, Humorous, Archaic (in original sense)
Definition
Meaning
A hunting cry used to alert others that a fox has been sighted, encouraging hounds to pursue it.
An enthusiastic exclamation of excitement or greeting, often used humorously or ironically to signal the start of an activity or chase.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily associated with British fox hunting. In modern usage, it is often employed for comedic effect, to mock old-fashioned Britishness, or to ironically announce the beginning of something. It carries strong connotations of a bygone era of the British aristocracy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the word retains a faint, albeit archaic, connection to its original fox-hunting context and is a recognized part of historical/cultural lexicon. In the US, it is almost exclusively known through British media (films, books) and is used purely as a humorous or ironic interjection, with no cultural connection to hunting.
Connotations
UK: Can evoke nostalgia, tradition, or class-based irony. US: Purely a borrowed, humorous Briticism with no native cultural weight.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects. More likely to be encountered in period dramas, satire, or humorous contexts than in spontaneous speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Agent] + cry/shout/yell + 'Tally-ho!''Tally-ho!' + [Agent] + exclaimedVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to cry tally-ho on something/someone”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used. If used, it would be highly ironic, e.g., 'Tally-ho, team! Let's chase down that Q4 revenue target!'
Academic
Only used in historical or cultural studies discussing British traditions or literature.
Everyday
Extremely rare. May be used as a joke among friends to signal the start of a trip or activity.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
interjection
British English
- 'Tally-ho!' cried the Master of Hounds as the fox broke cover.
- 'Right, tally-ho, chaps—time for a pint!' he said, slapping his knees.
American English
- 'Tally-ho!' he joked as he spotted the ice cream truck coming down the street.
- With a mock-British accent, she yelled, 'Tally-ho!' and ran after the bus.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In old movies, people sometimes shout 'Tally-ho!' when they are hunting.
- He gave a jovial 'Tally-ho!' as he mounted his bicycle for the Sunday ride.
- The CEO's 'Tally-ho, team!' at the start of the meeting was seen as a bizarre attempt at old-fashioned motivational rhetoric.
- The phrase 'tally-ho' is a linguistic fossil, preserved more in parody than in practice.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a British aristocrat in a red coat, TALLYing up points on his scorecard as he shouts 'HO!' to his hounds.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PURSUIT OF A GOAL IS A FOX HUNT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите буквально. Это междометие. В ироничном контексте можно использовать 'Ну, поехали!' или 'В атаку!', но важно передать старомодный/британский/шуточный оттенок.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in a serious context.
- Spelling as 'tally ho' or 'tallyho'. The standard form is 'tally-ho' with a hyphen.
- Pronouncing it as a single word /ˈtælihoʊ/ instead of two stressed syllables /ˌtæli ˈhoʊ/.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts would the use of 'tally-ho' be MOST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is historically accurate but largely archaic. Modern hunting fields may use it self-consciously or for tradition, but it is not a standard, functional command.
Historically, yes ('to tally-ho a fox' meant to sight it and give the cry). This usage is now obsolete.
It is derived from the French hunting cry 'taïaut', which was Anglicised in the 18th century.
Not inherently offensive, but as it is strongly linked to the controversial sport of fox hunting, its use could be considered insensitive or politically charged in some contexts in the UK.