Virginia is called the "Hoos" as a nickname derived from "Wahoos," which is the unofficial mascot and nickname for sports teams and students at the University of Virginia. The term "Wahoos" originated in the 1890s during a baseball rivalry when Washington and Lee fans referred to University of Virginia players as "rowdy Wahoos," a back-formation from the school's yell "wa-hoo-wa." Over time, the shortened form "'Hoos" became commonly used among students and fans. Although the official team name is the Cavaliers, "Wahoos" and "'Hoos" remain popular nicknames, especially among students and alumni.
The nickname "Wahoos" and its abbreviation "'Hoos" are tied to the school's rallying cry "Wah-hoo-wah," which itself has origins connected to a Dartmouth College Indian yell from the late 1800s, later adapted and embraced at the University of Virginia.
In brief, "Hoos" is a casual, affectionate nickname linked to the University of Virginia's historic yell and sports culture.
