The Hotty Toddy mascot is a central figure in the University of Mississippi's athletic program. Known as the "Rebel Black Bear," the Hotty Toddy mascot has a rich history and is an important symbol for the university. The origins of the mascot can be traced back to the early 20th century when the university's athletic teams were referred to as the "Mississippi Flood." However, in 2010, the university decided to retire the "Rebel" nickname and replace it with the "Rebel Black Bear" mascot. This decision was made in an effort to promote inclusivity and diversity within the university's athletic program. The Hotty Toddy mascot, with its renowned energy and enthusiasm, has become a beloved symbol of the university and its athletic teams.
Ole Miss, by D—n!
Some speculate that it was developed after the Virginia Tech Regimantal Band called The Highty Tighties, derived from a cheer used throughout World War II, associated with the description of a warm alcoholic drink or a term referred to the perceived sentiment of the Ole Miss student body. It s one of the most unique chants across collegiate sports, it s certainly one of the most recognizable, and it s as integral to the fabric and culture of Ole Miss as red and blue, the Grove and the Rebels.
The Hotty Toddy mascot, with its renowned energy and enthusiasm, has become a beloved symbol of the university and its athletic teams. With its distinctive attire and charismatic presence, the Hotty Toddy mascot embodies the spirit and pride of the University of Mississippi. The Hotty Toddy mascot not only represents the university's athletic program, but also serves as a way for students, alumni, and fans to connect with their school and show their support.
What is a Hotty Toddy, and why do Ole Miss fans get so excited about it? (video)
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - When Alabama and Ole Miss fans gather in Tuscaloosa for tomorrow night's matchup between the Crimson Tide and the Rebels, it's pretty realistic to say that one question will be repeated many times in the stands.
It will be shouted by the Ole Miss cheerleaders, to and from random fans across the parking lot and in plenty of other spots before and during the game.
It's a simple one: "Are you ready?"
And the response?
It's something that Bama fans might be tired of hearing after the tenth. or hundredth time.
When Ole Miss fans get the question asked of them, they respond with a cheer that is one of the most unique in college football traditions. (It also has more curse words per sentence than most, so it has been edited here for "safe at work and with your children" viewing.)
Hotty Toddy, Gosh Almighty,
Who The H*** Are We? Hey!
Flim Flam, Bim Bam
One of the best traditions in the SEC comes at home games in Oxford, when a random celebrity will appear on the jumbotron and ask the fans, "Are you ready?"
Like James Franco did so before the Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State game last year:
But, what does it all mean? What is a "Hotty Toddy"?
There are a lot of different theories and stories, of course, as there are with most college football mascots, nicknames, cheers and traditions. The official Ole Miss athletic website doesn't even give an explanation for the origin of the cheer, so you have to search a little bit for any clues.
The first documented appearance of the cheer came in a November 19, 1925 edition of The Mississippian student newspaper. The phrase was written as "Heighty! Tighty!" and the cheer was worded a bit differently from today: "Heighty! Tighty! Gosh a Mighty! Who the h*** are we? Rim! Ram! Flim! Flam! Ole Miss, by D***"
After appearing in the paper, the phrase and cheer began creeping into conversation and eventually onto the football field.
It might also not be a coincidence that a "hot toddy" is an alcoholic drink (a warm drink of whiskey or brandy), and that the student body and fans enjoy quite a party atmosphere on The Grove in Oxford for home games.
Wherever it comes from, the phrase is something that Alabama fans can surely appreciate.
Similar to the all-purpose "Roll Tide" greeting, "Hotty Toddy" is a phrase that works for Ole Miss fans in all incarnations--a welcome, a "hey, y'all," a sign of excitement, a "how's it going?" and a sign of school pride. And all Ole Miss fans know what it means (although they might not really know what it "means").
ESPN's Doug Ward described it this way: "'Hotty Toddy' has no real meaning, but it means everything in Oxford. For students, fans and alumni, it is a greeting, cheer and secret handshake all rolled into one. 'Hotty Toddy' is the spirit of Ole Miss."
So, when you hear it in Tuscaloosa Saturday night for the hundredth time, don't groan. Stop and appreciate the tradition of it all.
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Whether at a football game, basketball game, or any other sporting event, the Hotty Toddy mascot is sure to bring excitement and entertainment to all those in attendance. As a symbol of school spirit and unity, the Hotty Toddy mascot holds a special place in the hearts of all those associated with the University of Mississippi..
Reviews for "How the Hotty Toddy Mascot Empowers Students"
1. Jane Doe - 2 stars - I was really disappointed in the Hotty toddy mascot. It just didn't seem to represent our school's spirit and tradition. The costume itself looked cheap and poorly made, and it didn't have any of the iconic elements that make our school unique. Additionally, the person wearing the mascot costume seemed unenthusiastic and unengaging. Overall, I feel like the Hotty toddy mascot was a missed opportunity to bring excitement and energy to our events.
2. John Smith - 1 star - The Hotty toddy mascot was a complete letdown. It looked like a generic, generic tiger costume that you could buy at any Halloween store. There was nothing memorable or special about it. It didn't reflect our school's identity or values at all. To make matters worse, the person inside the costume seemed uncoordinated and awkward. It was just an all-around disappointing experience.
3. Samantha Johnson - 2 stars - I was underwhelmed by the Hotty toddy mascot. It lacked creativity and originality. It didn't capture the essence of our school spirit or traditions. The costume design was lackluster, and the mascot's movements were stiff and unnatural. I expected more from our school's mascot, and I believe it could have been much better with more thought and effort put into it.