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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

hey rube en · INTJ

Pronunciation

  • /heɪ ɹub/ (US)

Etymology

Used since approximately 1935; from a shortening of the given name Reuben. It originated as a cry used by circus workers, possibly because of the connotations of the name Reuben as belonging to someone living in the rural USA.

Meanings

  1. A call to rally circus members in a fight.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
hey Rube alternative lexicographic

hey rube en · NOUN

Pronunciation

  • /heɪ ɹub/ (US)

Etymology

Used since approximately 1935; from a shortening of the given name Reuben. It originated as a cry used by circus workers, possibly because of the connotations of the name Reuben as belonging to someone living in the rural USA.

Meanings

  1. A fight between members of a circus and the general public.
    • "I said 'Shut it, Camel! I'm dealing with a situation here.' Walter says. /.'What kind of situation?' says Camel. / "'Jacob's messed up.' / "'What? How? Was there a hey rube?'" 2006, Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants:
  2. (broadly) Any fight or conflict, especially a rowdy and informal one.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
hey rubes Number=Plur lexicographic
hey Rube alternative lexicographic