Can someone please tell me the meaning of the word "hoolihan" as used
in the old Western song that goes: "I ride an old paint. I lead an
old dan. I'm going to
Montana to throw the hoolihan". Thanks.
RESPONSE:
Hi, when this e-mail came in I was on AOL instant messaging with a
h.s. friend from Sheridan, WY. He is a western author in the
Seattle area. He grew up on a ranch also
Lit Concepts (8:56 PM): I think the hoolihan was a particular kind of
honda. That is the small loop that lets the rope slip through for a
lasso. However, I have something in the back of my mind that it also
means a blowout in town. Yes, party sort of. Loud.
JoAnn Boyd Scott (8:57 PM): that's right, I remember Dad talking
about a hoolihan in reference to his rope
JoAnn Boyd Scott (8:57 PM): probably a bar party?
Lit Concepts (8:58 PM): Hoolihan may be a particular kind of honda.
Some ropers use a regular overhand knot, some use a bowline. bowline
lets the lead fall a little straighter. I was never a good enough
roper to notice any difference.
Another memory is the saying..."WATCH OUT OR YOU WILL DO A HOOLIHAN",
and that meant a fall, usually off your horse.
I do think in context of the song above...probably means party???
--
"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart
and can can sing it back to you when you have
forgotten the words." ---unknown
Sheridan WY. High School Alumni page
http://www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/Cabana/4366/
Big Horn County, MT. genealogy page
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/7759