Pronunciation: [wˈɔː wˈuːp] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "war whoop" may seem confusing, but it can be easily explained through IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "wɔːr", with a long vowel sound and a rolled R. The second syllable is pronounced as "huːp", with a long U sound and a glottal stop at the end. The word is typically used to describe a loud, intimidating yell or cry often used in Native American rituals or battle cries.
The term "war whoop" refers to a loud, shrill cry or yell that is traditionally associated with Native American tribes during times of battle or conflict. It is an expression of fervor and aggression, often used to intimidate or terrify opponents in warfare. The war whoop holds cultural significance as it signifies the warrior spirit, unity, and determination of Native American warriors.
Historically, tribes from various Native American cultures would utilize war whoops as a battle cry, helping to psych themselves up before going into combat and rallying their fellow warriors. The war whoop is characterized by its piercing and distinct sound, typically achieved by altering the pitch or volume of the voice or incorporating vocal techniques such as ululation.
The purpose of the war whoop extended beyond mere vocalization; it served as a means of communication among tribesmen, conveying crucial messages during battles or hunts. It also instilled fear and uncertainty in enemy forces, disrupting their focus and creating a psychological advantage for the Native American warriors.
In modern contexts, the term "war whoop" can be used metaphorically to describe a loud, triumphant cheer or rallying cry that is meant to energize and motivate a group of people engaged in a shared endeavor. It can be employed in sports events, political rallies, or other situations where a collective expression of passion, determination, or solidarity is desired.
• The yell uttered by savages in advancing to battle; man-of-war, a ship of large size armed and equipped for attack or defence.
• The battle cry; the shout of attack.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "war whoop" has its origins in the early 18th century and is derived from the combination of two separate components: "war" and "whoop".
The term "war" ultimately stems from the Old English word "wyrre", which meant "a military expedition or campaign". Over time, this evolved into "werre" in Middle English, which referred to "armed conflict or strife". The word "war" itself eventually emerged by the late 12th century and has remained relatively unchanged since then.
The second element, "whoop", comes from the Old English word "hwōpan", which meant "to call aloud or shout". This word gradually transformed into "whoppen" in Middle English, which still indicated "to cry out or shout loudly".
