Khokhol is ... A variety of meanings

Strangely enough, in modern Russian there are many concepts of this word. A crest is a forelock or a clump of wool, feathers on the head, and regardless of their location (rear, front, side). In Ukrainian, this building is called "Oseledets". That's what a Ukrainian in general terms means! Truly accuracy and accuracy of names sometimes strike the imagination.

The meaning of the word "Khokhol"

He also happens to be a pigeon, a chicken. By the way, the common name of a hen is a crib. Until recently, the Nizhny Novgorodians had a small crest - a small ruff (such a fish). In Kostroma, Khokhlushka (not to be confused with his wife Khokhla) is generally a cover from something, probably because of the handle. In the Arkhangelsk gubernia, the Khokhlak or Khokhlusha was called the week of the birth of a seal for his ridiculous crest on a leech; In the same place, the Khokhlushka is a small loon. As you can see, all these names are directly related to the forelock, whipped hair or feathers on the head.

Another Khokhol is a village in the Voronezh region. And the river has the same name.

Humorous name of the people

Another meaning of the word "Ukrainian" is the nickname of Ukrainians, previously pejorative or offensive, now more and more playful. According to the dictionary Ozhegova, who are the Ukrainians? These are the same Ukrainians. Dal in his dictionary defines the meaning for the term "Ukrainian" as "Ukrainian, Little Russian". Here are some examples from his explanatory dictionary: "A Khokhol is stupider than a crow, but a trickier line"; "Khokhol does not lie, but he will not tell the truth either." On the one hand, you can perceive such statements as humiliation or insult to an entire nation. On the other hand, a modern Ukrainian, most likely, just laughs, and even beware of such allegories.

Different understanding

However, before, and now the attitude towards the word "Khokhol" is ambiguous. Western Ukrainians perceived and perceive this nickname as an eerie insult. In Eastern Ukraine, however, they refer to "Khokhlu" with humor rather than offense. And those working abroad, particularly in Russia, citizens of the southeast of Ukraine, having identified themselves with this word, will also proudly raise their heads.

A bit of history

The reason for this attitude, such a reaction, dates back to the nineteenth century, when Siberia was rapidly developing and large flows of people from Malorossia (residents of the western regions, and then Galicia, ie, Galicians, did not participate in this historic event) migrated to new Harsh, but free and vast land. Of course, not only they. Russian, Byelorussian, Chuvash, Tatars, Mordva, etc. settled nearby. The diversity of nationalities gave birth to the need for self-determination, so as not to lose its identity. And the word "khokhol" for Ukrainians became self-name in these conditions. We will notice, they so have designated themselves and did not see in it anything shameful and especially insulting. By the way, as for the Russian settlers, neither did anyone take offense at the "Katsap" or "Moskal".

Origin

Where did the concept of "khokhol" come from? There are only a few versions. Popular and believable is the one by which Ukrainian Ukrainians began to be called because of the forelock, the "villain", on a clean-shaven head. There is such a legend. Like, somehow Tsar Peter invited the Cossacks to Petersburg. The latter made a stunning impression on local residents, especially ladies, with their extravagant appearance. Zaporozhtsy was given the nickname "crested people" (it is clear, because of what), which in due course due to simplification turned into "Khokhlov".

Other versions

There are other, less popular, views on this issue. Thus, some ethnographers find a parallel with the Mongolian word "hal-go", which means "blue-yellow". It was these colors that were the flag of the Galicia-Volyn principality, which stopped the Mongolian tugens. However, Galicia neither then nor later to Little Russia had nothing to do. No, there were, of course, common roots, but the villain-story divorced for a long time in different directions. There are other, even more ridiculous, versions. For example, in translation from the Turkic crest - "son of heaven", "heavenly".

Türkic version

There are also those who claim that the Mongols brought Russia to the "villain" fashion. To begin with, the fashion for the shaved head and forelock on it existed in the distant past among many peoples of the world - Varangians, Turks, Mongols including Chinese, etc. And it was dictated solely by the rules of hygiene so that during a long hike , When there is no possibility to take care of the hair, they did not start parasites. Chubchik same - and stylish, and practical: you can decorate different decorations in it, which often did.

Now about the Mongolian influence. With the "oseledtsem" ancestors of the present Ukrainians met in the IX century, when Prince Oleg brought with him a squad of Varangians to Kiev. The Mongolian invasion happened, as we know, in the middle of the 13th century. Yes, before them were Pechenegs, also shaved and with locks of hair on the tops. And yet everything happened much earlier. In the Varangians the "villain" was considered a sign of a high estate, and such a class was known or deserved warriors. This principle was adopted and Kievan Rus. Only high-born or experienced, respected druzhinniki had the right to shave their heads headless, leaving a long lock of hair. To lose her in battle was considered a disgrace.

Who are the Ukrainians?

Here, the opinions of the researchers also diverge. Some point to the Turkic origin, giving an example and appearance (wide trousers, wide belt, papaha, earring in the ear, "villain"), and arranging the troops ("Cossack" - the word of Turkic origin), and the surviving surnames (Kuchma, for example, Translated as "a high pointed cap"), and the realities of everyday life (hut, tyn, plakhta, namisto). Even mostly black hair and brown eyes are added. But it could not be otherwise. A long neighborhood with the nomads could not but leave a trace on the people. Near Kiev, for example, there is still a settlement of Pechenegi. Nevertheless, the basis of the same Zaporizhzhya Army, whose representatives were first called hohlami, were former brodniki - runaway peasants, criminals, adventurers from all over Kievan Rus. The Gentiles were accepted into their ranks, but forced to be baptized. So the hair color is not an indicator yet. And the Ukrainians-Little Russians, despite all the trials of history, retained their identity - in dances, songs, way of life, outlook and language.

At present, the words "Khokhol" and "Khokhlushka" are mostly used in a jocular manner in colloquial speech.