hey rube

See also: hey Rube

English

Alternative forms

• hey Rube

Etymology

Used since approximately 1935; from a shortening of the given name Reuben. It originated as a cry used by circus workers, possibly because of the connotations of the name Reuben as belonging to someone living in the rural USA.

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /heɪ ɹub/

Interjection

hey rube

1. A call to rally circus members in a fight.

Noun

hey rube (plural hey rubes)

1. A fight between members of a circus and the general public.
   • 2006, Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants:

     "I said 'Shut it, Camel! I'm dealing with a situation here.' Walter says. /.'What kind of situation?' says Camel. / "'Jacob's messed up.' / "'What? How? Was there a hey rube?'"

2. (by extension) Any fight or conflict, especially a rowdy and informal one.