An exclamation expressing excitement or approval, often romantic attraction.
American slang from the 1940s, popularized during World War II. Possibly derived from 'hubba hubba,' an expression used by servicemen to express approval or attraction. Origin is uncertain but likely onomatopoetic.
Hubba hubba was the wolf whistle of its day - a socially acceptable way for 1940s soldiers to express appreciation for attractive people. The reduplication (repeating the sound) makes it more playful and less threatening than a simple exclamation.
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