The Ole Miss Mascot, Hotty Toddy Ole Miss, short for the University of Mississippi, is known for its vibrant school spirit and rich traditions. One of the most iconic symbols of this spirit is the Ole Miss mascot, Hotty Toddy. Hotty Toddy is a phrase used by students, alumni, and fans to show their support and enthusiasm for the university's athletic teams, particularly the football team. Hotty Toddy is not just a saying; it is a way of life at Ole Miss. It is chanted at sporting events, shouted during tailgates, and celebrated throughout the campus. The phrase is believed to have originated in the early 1920s when students started using it to cheer on their football team.
Understanding the History and Significance of ‘Hotty Toddy’
Rapper Snoop Dogg leads the Hotty Toddy cheer on the JumboTron inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at a football game in 2003.
While several Ole Miss traditions have gone the way of the dinosaur, one that continues to thrive from generation to generation is the use of the words “Hotty Toddy.”
Whether it’s the two words often used as a familiar signature to end emails or phone conversations or the chant shouted in response to the question “Are you ready?” at athletic events, one thing is for certain: Hotty Toddy and Ole Miss are inseparable.
The origins of the phrase remain a mystery. There’s no concrete answer that explains what “Hotty Toddy” truly means. 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.
Actually as an Ole Miss reference, the first documented evidence of the phrase (then written as “Heighty! Tighty!”) appeared in the Nov. 19, 1926 copy of the Mississippian. That day, the following words appeared:
Heighty! Tighty!
Gosh A Mighty!
Who in the h—l are we?
Rim! Ram! Flim! Flam!
Ole Miss, by D—n!
Ever since, the cheer (with slightly differing spelling in the opening line) has been passed down by Rebel fans. ESPN’s Doug Ward wrote, “’Hotty Toddy’ is the spirit of Ole Miss,” which extends much farther than the Grove and at athletics. It only takes seeing an Ole Miss logo or design on a shirt, hat, etc. for two fellow Rebels to exchange “hotty toddy” to one another.
“Hotty Toddy” has also become synonymous with Ole Miss among the national media. ESPN’s SportsCenter, Erin Anderson, former Miss America Nina Davuluri and former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney have all tweeted it at least once in recent years. Celebrities like Russell Crowe, Snoop Dogg, Betty White, Sandra Bullock, Jack Black and others have lead the cheer via recorded video messages played in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium before Ole Miss football games.
Here’s what Ole Miss students had to say about “Hotty Toddy” a few years ago:
Hotty Toddy, everybody!!
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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The phrase is believed to have originated in the early 1920s when students started using it to cheer on their football team. From then on, it has become an integral part of Ole Miss culture. The origin of the phrase "Hotty Toddy" is a subject of debate.
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Ole miss mascot hotty toddy
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Some believe that it came from a cheer that was popularized in the 1920s, while others believe that it is derived from a fictional character named Colonel Reb, who was the university's official mascot until 2003. Regardless of its origin, Hotty Toddy has become synonymous with Ole Miss and its sports teams. The mascot, Hotty Toddy, is an energetic and spirited figure that embodies the university's values and traditions. Hotty Toddy is often portrayed as a costumed student or a caricature of a Southern gentleman. He is seen cheering on the sidelines during games and engaging with fans, creating a sense of camaraderie and excitement among the Ole Miss community. In addition to representing school spirit, Hotty Toddy also serves as a symbol of unity and pride for Ole Miss students and alumni. The chant of "Hotty Toddy" brings people together, creating a sense of belonging and shared identity. It is a rallying cry that unites the Ole Miss community and shows their dedication to their university. Overall, the Ole Miss mascot, Hotty Toddy, is more than just a character or a chant. It is a symbol of the university's rich tradition, school spirit, and sense of community. Whether it is shouted on the football field or sung at a pep rally, Hotty Toddy embodies the passion and pride that defines the Ole Miss experience..
Reviews for "Celebrating Hotty Toddy: Ole Miss' Beloved Mascot"
1. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I have to say that I was quite disappointed with the Ole Miss mascot, Hotty Toddy. To begin with, I found the character design to be quite unappealing. The exaggerated features and clown-like appearance were more disturbing than endearing. Additionally, the mascot's behavior during the game was questionable. I witnessed Hotty Toddy mocking opposing team fans and even engaging in physical altercations with some spectators. It was highly unprofessional and reflected poorly on the university. Overall, Hotty Toddy was quite a letdown and left a negative impression on me.
2. Mike - 2/5 stars - As an avid sports fan, I have seen many mascots in action, and I have to say that the Ole Miss mascot, Hotty Toddy, did not impress me. While the concept of a character representing the university is a great idea, the execution fell flat. The costume design was lackluster, lacking creativity and attention to detail. The mascot's interactions with the crowd were also underwhelming, as Hotty Toddy seemed disinterested and unenthusiastic. I believe there is room for improvement, and the university should consider revamping their mascot to truly engage and energize the fans.
3. Emily - 1/5 stars - I cannot understand the appeal of Ole Miss' mascot, Hotty Toddy. The whole concept of a creepy, mustached character representing the university is just bizarre to me. It is neither cute nor fierce, but rather a mockery of the spirit and pride associated with college sports. The mascot's movements were awkward, and it seemed out of touch with the crowd. Overall, Hotty Toddy brings down the excitement and energy of the game for fans like me. I would prefer to see a more traditional and relatable mascot representing Ole Miss.
4. Alex - 2/5 stars - Hotty Toddy, the Ole Miss mascot, seemed out of place and disconnected from the atmosphere of the game. The design of the character was not visually appealing, and the movements lacked fluidity and coordination. It didn't help that the mascot's antics were more distracting than entertaining. Instead of rallying the fans and creating a fun atmosphere, Hotty Toddy left me feeling confused and unimpressed. I think the university should consider reevaluating their mascot to better engage and excite the crowd.