Is It Hear Hear Or Here Here? Here’s What’s True
Okay, so you're at a meeting, or maybe watching a play, and someone says something brilliant. And you, being the super engaged person you are, want to show your appreciation, right? You open your mouth to shout something encouraging, something that says, "Yes! I totally agree! Go you!" But then… confusion strikes. Do you yell, "Hear, hear!" or "Here, here!"?
It's a classic brain-bender, isn't it? Like trying to remember if it's "i before e except after c" – which, let's be honest, is a whole other can of worms. But this one, this "hear hear" versus "here here" thing, it trips up so many of us. I've heard people say both, and sometimes, they look just as confused as I am! It’s like a little linguistic tumbleweed rolling through the room.
So, grab your imaginary coffee mug. Let's spill the tea on this one, shall we? Because, believe me, there is a correct answer, and it's probably not what you think. Or maybe it is. Who knows! That's the fun of this whole language game.
The Big Reveal: Which One Is It?
Alright, drumroll, please! The phrase you're looking for, the one that means "I agree" or "well said," is… "Hear, hear!"
Yep. You heard it here first (or maybe you've heard it a million times and just never clicked!). It's "hear, hear," not "here, here."
Now, I know what some of you are thinking. "But wait! 'Here' means in this place! And I am here, listening to what you're saying!" And you are absolutely right! Your logic is sound. Your brain is working overtime, and that's a good thing. But in this specific case, the English language has decided to be a little… quirky. It’s like that one friend who always uses an idiom you have to Google later. You know the one.
Why "Hear, Hear!" Makes Sense (Sort Of)
So, let's break down why "hear, hear!" is the champion. It comes from a much older, slightly more formal, tradition. Think back to Parliament, or old-timey debates. When someone made a good point, people would shout out to signal that they wanted others to hear the speaker, to pay attention to what was being said. It was a way to encourage the audience to listen carefully.
So, the first "hear" is like a command to listen. "Hear this person!" And the second "hear"? That's like an echo, or a reinforcement. "Yes, hear them! They're saying something important!" It’s all about drawing attention to the words being spoken.
Imagine a town crier, ringing his bell. He's not saying "Here, here, I have news!" He's saying, "Hear ye, hear ye! Listen up, everyone!" See the connection? It’s all about the act of listening, of absorbing information.
It’s not about the physical location of the speaker or the listener. It’s about the message. It’s a call to auditory attention, if you will. And who doesn’t love a good call to attention? It’s like a verbal nudge.
The Temptation of "Here, Here!"
Now, I get why "here, here!" is so tempting. Honestly, it’s probably more intuitive for a lot of us. We’re here, listening. So, "here, here!" feels perfectly logical. It’s like saying, "Right here, right now, I agree with what's happening in this very moment!"
And sometimes, language evolves, right? Maybe "here, here" could have become the new cool kid on the block. But tradition, in this case, is a pretty strong force. It’s like trying to change a deeply ingrained habit, like always putting your socks on before your pants. It just… doesn't feel right to go against the norm.
Think about it: If you’re at a concert and the lead singer nails a solo, you wouldn't yell "Here, here!" at the stage, would you? You'd yell "Wow!" or "Amazing!" or maybe even "Hear, hear!" to acknowledge the incredible music. It’s about the sound, the performance, the hearing of it all.
The "here, here!" interpretation is more about acknowledging the presence of something. Like, "Here, here’s the evidence!" or "Here, here’s my point." But when you're showing approval for someone's statement, you're focusing on the act of hearing their good idea.
A Quick History Lesson (No Pop Quiz, I Promise!)
So, where did this peculiar phrase even come from? Well, it's believed to have originated in the British Parliament, probably back in the 17th or 18th century. When a Member of Parliament said something particularly insightful or persuasive, other MPs would shout "Hear him!" or "Hear, hear!" to show their support and encourage everyone else to listen.
It was a way to amplify agreement, to make sure that a good idea wasn't just heard by a few, but by everyone in the chamber. It was like a verbal standing ovation, but with more shouting. And probably less standing.
The phrase then trickled down into general usage, becoming a common way to express approval. And for centuries, it’s been "hear, hear!" It’s got history on its side, folks. Like a perfectly aged cheese.
When to Use "Hear, Hear!" (And When to Just Clap)
So, you’ve got the lowdown: "Hear, hear!" is the one for agreement. But when do you actually use it? Is it appropriate in every single situation?
Generally, you'll hear "hear, hear!" in more formal or semi-formal settings. Think: speeches, debates, parliamentary sessions (obviously!), or even a toast at a wedding where someone has given a particularly heartfelt speech.
It’s a way to show you’re actively engaged and that you appreciate what’s being said. It’s a vocal stamp of approval. It's like saying, "Yes! My ears are tuned in, and I like what they're telling me!"
However, it’s probably not something you’d yell at your best friend when they tell you a hilarious joke. Unless, of course, your friend is known for their incredibly eloquent and witty pronouncements on the nature of humor. Then, maybe. You do you.
In most casual social settings, a simple laugh, a nod, or a "Yeah!" will suffice. Sometimes, a good old-fashioned clap is the universally understood language of appreciation. No linguistic confusion there!
But if you're in a situation where a bit more formality is called for, and you want to show your strong agreement with someone's statement, "hear, hear!" is your go-to phrase. It’s a little linguistic flourish that shows you’re paying attention and that you approve. It’s like wearing a nice tie to a job interview – it shows you care about the occasion.
The Internet's Take on the Matter
Now, you might think, "Is this really a big deal?" And in the grand scheme of things, probably not. But language nerds (like me, sometimes!) love these little nuances. And the internet, bless its chaotic heart, is full of discussions about this exact topic.
If you Google "hear hear vs here here," you'll find a plethora of articles, forum discussions, and even some rather heated debates. Most reputable sources will confirm that "hear, hear!" is the correct form for expressing agreement. They'll trot out the historical context, the etymology, the whole nine yards.
You'll also find people who argue for "here, here," often citing its intuitive logic. And while I appreciate the independent thinking, sometimes, you just have to go with what’s established. It’s like knowing that the sky is blue. You could argue about the wavelengths of light, but ultimately, it’s blue.
The key is to be aware of the correct usage. Once you know, you can choose to use it correctly, or you can choose to be a rebel. But at least you'll be making an informed decision, right? It’s all about knowing your linguistic ammunition.
So, What's the Takeaway?
Let's wrap this up with a nice, neat bow. The phrase used to express strong agreement or approval, especially for something that has been said, is "Hear, hear!"
It's an old phrase, with roots in parliamentary proceedings, encouraging listeners to pay attention to the speaker. It’s about the act of hearing something worthwhile.
"Here, here!" is the common mistake, born from the intuitive but incorrect association with physical presence. While it might sound right, it’s not the established idiom.
So, the next time you’re in a situation where you want to shout your approval for a brilliant statement, channel your inner parliamentarian and confidently exclaim, "Hear, hear!"
And if you ever hear someone say "here, here!" and you’re feeling brave, you can offer a friendly, coffee-fueled correction. Or you can just nod along, because sometimes, it’s just easier that way. But now, you know.
You’ve cracked the code! You’ve navigated the tricky waters of English idioms. You are officially a language wizard. Go forth and spread your newfound knowledge, one correctly enunciated "hear, hear!" at a time!