Pronunciation: [hˈapi fjˈuː] (IPA) 
The phrase "happy few" is often used to refer to a small group of fortunate individuals. In terms of pronunciation, "happy" is pronounced with the /h/ sound at the beginning, followed by the /æ/ vowel sound, and ending with the /p/ and /i/ sounds. "Few," on the other hand, begins with the /f/ sound, followed by the /yu/ vowel sound, and ends with the /u/ sound. Together, "happy few" can be written phonetically as /ˈhæpi fju/.
The phrase "happy few" originates from a line in William Shakespeare's play, "Henry V". In Act IV, Scene III, King Henry delivers a famous speech known as the "Crispin's Day speech" before the Battle of Agincourt. In this speech, he refers to his soldiers as the "happy few".
The word "happy" in this context means fortunate or blessed, rather than the modern-day sense of the word. It denotes a sense of honor and pride in being part of a select, elite group. The phrase "happy few" represents the camaraderie and unity among the soldiers, emphasizing their distinction from the larger army they are about to face. Shakespeare's use of this phrase has given it lasting popularity and it has become a well-known expression.
