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February 2008 
A Mighty Yawp
Posted on Oct 5th, 2007
by 
Andy
Andy
I'm not much on word origins, but I'd guess that yawp became a word as a result of someone actually saying it ... yawp. So, tonight as I walked along a ridge at sunset, I contemplated yawp. I had just run across the word again while reading Into the Wild. It's not a commonly used word and if I had ever said it aloud, it was only while reading a passage to myself. A yawp is not softly spoken. So, what does a mighty yawp sound like from my lips. I tried it a number of times while hiking, using slightly different inflections ... but none seemed quite right. Yawp needed volume. I had to wait until I got back to my car...the engine running, windows up, puttering down the road. Yawp! Yawp!! Yawp!!! Yawp!!!! Yawp!!!!
What a colorful word I thought as I finally found it and yawped a mighty yawp.
What a colorful word I thought as I finally found it and yawped a mighty yawp.
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Walt Whitman: “I sound my barbaric yawp across the rooftops of the world”
I always thought he made it up. I remember nights with my brother out hiking or on the river, practicing our barbaric yawps. nice post..
I couldn't remember the exact quote. Dead Poet Society was the first time I heard it.
Andy, I smile… not only can I hear you, but I can also see you Yawping… it makes me smile and it makes me laugh… Are you satisifed with your yawp?
I yawped until it felt right … and yes, it was most satisying. I would highly recommend it.
i needed to yawp while out running this evening but didn't. i think i will soon.