Giddap

/ˈɡɪdæp/ interjection

Definition

A command shouted to a horse to make it start moving or go faster. An exclamation used to urge a horse forward.

Etymology

Contraction of 'get up,' dating from the early 1800s American English. Originally used by riders and drivers to encourage their horses to begin moving or increase speed. The pronunciation evolved from the rapid speech of horsemen giving commands.

Kelly Says

'Giddap' represents the fascinating way work-specific jargon becomes embedded in popular culture - even people who've never ridden a horse know this word from Western movies and TV shows. It's a perfect example of how practical, occupational language can outlive the original occupation and become part of general cultural knowledge.

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