answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The origin of the word "Hokie" has nothing to do with a turkey. It was coined by O. M. Stull (class of 1896), who used it in a spirit yell he wrote for a competition. Here's how that competition came to be held. Virginia Tech was founded in 1872 as a land-grant institution and was named Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. In 1896, the Virginia General Assembly officially changed the college's name to Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute, a name so long that citizens shortened it in popular usage to VPI. The original college cheer, which made reference to the original name of the institution, was no longer suitable. Thus, a contest was held to select a new spirit yell, and Stull won the $5 top prize for his cheer, now known as Old Hokie: Hoki, Hoki, Hoki, Hy.

Techs, Techs, V.P.I.

Sola-Rex, Sola-Rah.

Polytechs - Vir-gin-ia.

Rae, Ri, V.P.I. Later, the phrase "Team! Team! Team!" was added at the end, and an "e" was added to "Hoki." Stull later said that he made up the word as an attention-grabber. Though he may not have known it, "Hokie" (in its various forms) has been around at least since 1842. According to Johann Norstedt, now a retired Virginia Tech English professor, "[Hokie was] a word that people used to express feeling, approval, excitement, surprise. Hokie, then, is a word like 'hooray,' or 'yeah,' or 'rah.'" Whatever its original meaning, the word in the popular cheer did, as Stull wanted, grab attention and has been a part of Virginia Tech tradition ever since.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How did the hokies get their name?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Which college's nick name is the hokies?

Virginia tech


What is the name of the sport college located in Virginia Beach?

The Virginia Tech Hokies.


What is the 212 for on the hokies helemts?

2 losses, then 12 wins this season. GO HOKIES.


When was Virginia Tech Hokies football created?

Virginia Tech Hokies football was created in 1892.


When was Virginia Tech Hokies women's soccer created?

Virginia Tech Hokies women's soccer was created in 1872.


What is the nickname of Virginia tech?

Hokies


What college is Michael Vick in?

Virginia tech-hokies


Did david wright play for the Virginia tech hokies?

no


What NBA team is Deron Washington on?

Virginia Tech Hokies


How do you find out what a picture of Larry Byrd playing the Hokies is worth?

internet


Virginia and Virginia tech battle for what trophy?

Commonwealth Cup! Go Hokies!


Who's car was struck by lightning after he picked the Hokies to lose at home?

Lee Corso