|
Thanks to the Seven Dwarfs and Kermit the Frog, the term "Heigh-ho" to a modern reader only seems to mean some jovial version of "hello". But when Beatrice says in Much Ado About Nothing: Or when Rosalind says in As You Like It: It almost sounds like a goodbye, not a hello -- a statement to say "I'm done here." Can anyone provide a clear explanation of this term, please? |
|
According to C.T. Onions' "A Shakespeare Glossary", 1986, the reputable, go-to standard for many years: heigh-ho interjection 1. Exclamation used to summon a person. Heigh-ho Peter Quince!" MND 2. Exclamation expressing joy. heigh-ho, the holly! AYL (song) 3. Exclamation expressing sadness or dejection. cry Heigh-ho for a husband! Much Ado I also checked the Crystal's "Shakespeare's Words", 2002. They also list it as an exclamation of joy and regret along with 'singing' as usages, although they give no examples in the regret column.
Altogether, an uttering of great utility, obviously dependent on the mood or intended 'comment' of the character. |
