What is the meaning of the phrase ‘hippo birdie two ewes’?
A funny way of saying ‘Happy birthday to you’.
What is the origin of the phrase ‘hippo birdie two ewes’?
The phrase ‘hippo birdie two ewes’ became a popular way to wish someone happy birthday, because phonetically, it’s very similar to the phrase ‘Happy birthday to you’ in terms of many of the individual sounds of the phrase as well as the number of syllables. It also fits perfectly into the rhythm of the song ‘Happy birthday to you.
The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, but it gained popularity through a greeting card designed by Sandra Boynton, an American songwriter, director, and author. Boynton is known for her whimsical animal characters, and her greeting cards have been widely distributed and loved by many for their clever wordplay and delightful illustrations.
The phrase is featured prominently in Boynton’s greeting cards, typically accompanied by drawings of a hippopotamus, a bird, and two sheep, making the wordplay visually explicit.
The phrase ‘hippo birdie two ewes’ continues to be present on birthday cards to this day, as well as other birthday related merchandise such as mugs, t-shirts, and decorations. It also appears in children’s books and on social media platforms in the form of memes and video shorts.
