Ha-Ha
/ˈhɑː hɑː/noun
A deep ditch or sunken wall that keeps livestock out while preserving an open view.
Did you know?The term was reportedly so named because people exclaimed “ha! ha!” when they suddenly noticed the concealed ditch at the edge of a landscape.
Etymological Timeline
18th Century
English
ha-ha
“A concealed boundary ditch in landscape design, especially in formal gardens”
Early 18th Century
English
ha! ha!
“An exclamation of surprise or discovery, imitated in writing”
French
French
ha ha
“An interjection expressing surprise, laughter, or sudden realization”
Middle English
English
ha
“An exclamation used to express wonder, triumph, or laughter”
Old English
OE
hā
“An exclamation of calling or emotional utterance”