Property of University of Mississippi and University of Mississippi Athletics
What does ‘Hotty Toddy’ Even Mean?
Hell yeah! Damn right! Hotty Toddy, Gosh almighty, Who the hell are we? Hey! Flim flam, bim bam, Ole Miss by damn!
‘Hotty Toddy’ is part of Ole Miss’s famous chant and has grown to be their tagline. Nobody knows where the phrase came from. The origins of the phrase are debated, but some possible explanations include:
1. The Virginia Tech Regimental Band
Some speculate that the phrase was developed after the Virginia Tech Regimental Band, known as the Highty Tighties. The cheer may have been “Heighty Tighty” and then evolved into “Hotty Toddy”.
Now to me personally, this one does not make a lot of sense because this tagline is not used by Virginia Tech, it is used by the University of Mississippi. However, I see the striking similarity between “Heighty Tighty” and Hotty Toddy AND the first known published version of the cheer was published as
Heighty! Tighty!
Gosh A Mighty!
Who in the h—l are we?
Rim! Ram! Flim! Flam!
Ole Miss, by D—n!
2. The term “hoity-toity”
Others believe the phrase is a reference to the French term “hoity-toity” which means pretentious. This may have been a way for fans to embrace the high-style tailgating and fashion that was popular on game days.
This one is my personal favorite, as Ole Miss students have been stereotypically known as preppy, wealthy, and prestigious.
3. The drink Hot Toddy
The phrase may have come from the drink known as the Hot Toddy, which is made with whiskey, tea, and lemon.
This theory is also believable, as sweet tea and whisky are both very common in southern culture. Personally, I do not think this is why Hotty Toddy came about, but it is a fun coincidence.
4. A World War II cheer
Some say the phrase may have come from a cheer that was used during World War II.
There is not much information on this theory, but it pops up multiple times.
So… what DID it mean? We do not know. Where DID it come from? We do not know that either. BUT we do know what it means to the students, faculty, and fans now. Hotty Toddy is the spirit of Ole Miss and a way for Rebels to feel school spirit, tradition, and belonging.
