Honeymoon. From the custom of the Scandinavians, who drank Hydromel, or diluted honey, for thirty days after a marriage feast.
Honiton Lace. A superior kind of “Pillow Lace” made at Honiton in Devonshire. This industry was introduced into England by the Lollards, temp. Elizabeth.
Honor Oak. From the famous boundary oak beneath which Queen Elizabeth once dined. Prior to that event it bore the name of Gospel Oak, under whose shade, in common with all other parish boundary oaks, the Gospel was read there once a year.
Hoodlum. A street rough, originally a product of San Francisco, but now common in New York and most cities of the American Union. The origin of the term was thus accounted for by The Congregationalist, 26th September 1877: “A newspaper man in San Francisco, in attempting to coin a word to designate a gang of young street Arabs under the beck of one named ‘Muldoon,’ hit upon the idea of dubbing them Noodlums--that is, simply reversing the leader’s name. In writing the word the strokes of the N did not correspond in height, and the compositor, taking the N for an H, printed it Hoodlum. ‘Hoodlum’ it is, and probably ever will be.”
Hoodman Blind. The ancient form of the game of “Blind Man’s Buff.” Instead of being bandaged the Blind Man had the hood, which everyone wore, drawn over his eyes.
Hook it. A variant of “Sling your Hook.”
Hook of Holland. From the Dutch hoek, a cape, a corner. The same perverted designation obtained in all the early Dutch settlements of New York State, notably “Sandy Hook.”
Hooligan. A London rough. This term is of quite modern date, and clearly an adaptation of that which has become common all over the United States. See “Hoodlum.”
Hooter. A United States corruption of iota. The people of New York State in particular are addicted to the saying: “I don’t care a hooter whether I do or not.” “This note isn’t worth a hooter,” etc.
Hoosier State. Indiana, from the nickname given to its people. “Hoosier” is really a corruption of Husher, touching the power of a bully to silence a stranger. The Hoosiers are noted for their brusque manners. The state is also called “Hoosierdom.”