Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • interjection An onomatopoeic representation of laughter.
  • noun Type of boundary to a garden, pleasure-ground, or park, designed not to interrupt the view and to be invisible until closely approached.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

(onomatopoeia).

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

French haha. French term attested 1686 in toponyms in New France (present Quebec); compare modern Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha!. Usual etymology is that an expression of surprise – “ha ha” or “ah! ah!” is exclaimed on encountering such a boundary. In France this is traditionally attributed to the reaction of Louis, Grand Dauphin to encountering such a feature in the gardens of the Château de Meudon. English term attested 1712, in translation by John James of French La theorie et la pratique du jardinage (1709) by Dezallier d'Argenville:

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Examples

Comments

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  • Describes a kind of fence which is sunken, so that on the privileged side one can look out with an unobstructed view, whereas on the other side the ground slopes gradually down to the foot of the wall; used by English upper-crust-types to get pretty views beyond their gardens without opening up their backyards to wild fauna.

    December 17, 2006

  • Wow, fun :)

    December 17, 2006

  • They're of ordinary, agricultural value as well: a large, horizontal grate can be used in lieu of a gate. Pasture animals can't manage the gaps but deft footed creatures can pass without having to climb over or unlatch/relatch the gate.

    December 17, 2006

  • Also, Nelson Muntz's favorite word.

    August 27, 2007

  • Also see ha-ha.

    December 4, 2018