When Melania Trump appeared at the Navy 250 Celebration yesterday (5 October), she blurted out a word that left many perplexed.
At Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, almost 10,000 sailors in their white uniforms attended the 250th anniversary celebration.
Donald Trump, 79, and the First Lady, 55, spoke at the ceremony, which became somewhat of a rally as the president hailed the military and himself, refusing to allow the US government shutdown get in the way.
He said: “I want you to know that despite the current Democrat induced shutdown, we will get our service members every last penny. Don’t worry about it.”
Trump later added: “Let’s face it, this is a rally,” as chants of ‘USA! USA! USA!” broke out among the crowds, before the Republican leader danced to ‘YMCA’ to close out his speech.
In her address, Melania also remarked that it was a “honor” to be present to commemorate the momentous event.
The First Lady opened her speech by sho:uting: “Hooyah navy!,” to which the crowd chanted back: “Hooyah!”
After the clip has done the rounds on social media, one Twitter user commented: “What the f**k is Hooyah…..anybody?”
While a second said: “Does Hooyah mean hello?” and a third questioned: “What does Hooyah Navy mean.”
And a fourth added: “I did NOT have the First Lady saying “Hooyah” to rally the troops on my BINGO card for today, BUT damn I’m here for it.”
Meanwhile others gushed: “How Melania enjoys this moment, I love it” and “See that’s just some good ole fun right there for everyone. Go Navy!”
Melania later continued: “It is an honour to be with you to celebrate the 250th year since the United States navy was officially established. Generations of sailors have cut America free because of their presence on the high seas.
“Your strength, bravery and sacrifice inspires us all.”
What does ‘Hooyah’ mean?
‘Hooyah!’ is simply the battle cry which is used in the United States Navy to build morale.
According to its official definition from the Cambridge Dictionary, it is a positive term that is used to convey agreement, encouragement, or acceptance.
According to Military Times, sailors, especially those involved in special warfare, are the primary users of the term, which is said to have originated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training.
During “gruelling evolutions, such as Hell Week swim drills, rope climbs, and sinking boats,” instructors would utilize it as a sign of resistance.
When trainees started responding with their own “hooyah,” it turned into a unifying moment that quickly extended to other divisions.
As we say, it’s used to elicit camaraderie and to cheer or salute people nowadays, and Melania seemed to want to do just that.
