1. "Hear, hear!" This is the more common and widely accepted origin. It's an interjection used to express agreement or approval, particularly in formal settings like parliamentary debates.
* Origin: It dates back to at least the 18th century and is thought to have originated from the practice of shouting "Hear, hear!" to signal agreement with a speaker in the British House of Commons.
* Meaning: The literal meaning is "Listen to this!," indicating that the speaker has something important to say and deserves attention.
* Usage: It's often used in a sarcastic or ironic way, emphasizing a point that the speaker considers obvious or already agreed upon.
2. "Here, here!" This is a less common and less formal version of the phrase. It's likely a shortened and simplified form of "Hear, hear!"
* Origin: It's unclear when this version emerged, but it's likely a more modern development.
* Meaning: It retains the same meaning as "Hear, hear!" but is less formal and can be used in casual settings.
The Confusion: While both versions have different origins, they are often used interchangeably, leading to the assumption that "here, here" is the only correct form.
Conclusion: The most accurate way to express agreement is to use "Hear, hear!" as it more closely reflects the historical origin and formality of the phrase. However, "here, here" is also accepted and understood, especially in informal settings.