What Does the Longhorn Hand Sign Mean?

The Longhorn hand sign is a traditional salute used by University of Texas at Austin sports fans. It is a gesture widely used at sporting events to rally school spirit when the university's fight song is played.

  1. Hook 'Em Horns

    • The hand gesture is commonly referred to as the "Hook 'Em Horns," for its resemblance to the shape of the head and horns of the official school mascot, a Texas Longhorn steer named Bevo.

    How to Make the Gesture

    • Extend the pinkie and pointer fingers and create a ring shape by holding the second and third fingers with the thumb. Sports fans usually also have their arm raised in the air when they do the hand sign.

    History Behind the Hand Sign

    • The widespread popularity of the hand gesture has been attributed to University of Texas at Austin alumnus and former cheerleader Harley Clark, who had learned from fellow student Henry Pitts. During a 1955 pep rally, Clark taught the student body at a football game how to make the gesture and encouraged them to use it from then on as a sign of school spirit.

      The Longhorn hand sign quickly became a college tradition as a rallying cry at football games.