Bevo dice "Hook 'Em"

        When I meet someone for the first time, usually one of the first questions I am asked is "Where do you go to school". One's college is important, and also when we talk about identity in class I can't help but to identify and describe myself as a proud student at UT Austin, and as such I hold our symbol in high regard. 
        The University of Texas at Austin is a university in the United States founded in 1883, and as of 2010 has the 5th largest single campus enrollment in the nation with over 50,000 undergraduates and graduate students. The widely known symbol of UT is the longhorn: 

        Interestingly enough, UT didn't start out with a Longhorn as it's mascot. The first mascot was actually "Piggy the pitbull"- Thank goodness that didn't stick. Bevo the longhorn took over due to UT alumnus Stephen Pickney in 1916 bought a longhorn steer for $124 dollars and gave him to the University. 

There are several different rumors surrounding Bevo's name. 

The first is the one I grew up knowing, that after a terrible loss to our rivals A&M, it is believed that A&M students stole Bevo, and branded the losing score on his side (13-0). The only way to salvage the poor longhorn was to save his side and change it to BEVO. (Don't worry- we've stolen their collie many times as well). 

The second, was reported in the University's newspaper, 'The Daily Texan', the student said that "the term 'beeve' is the plural of beef, but is more commonly used as a slang term for a steer that's destined to become food. The term is still used, though it was more common among the general public in the 1910s when Texas was more rural. The jump from 'beeve' to 'Bevo' isn't far, and makes more sense given the slang and national fads of the time". 

         The hand gesture, the "Hook 'em" symbol was then created by Harley Clark, Texas's head cheerleader, in 1955 to encapsulate the idea of Bevo and to use to promote camaraderie at football games. The first game the students used it was against TCU. The 'Hook 'Em' symbol gained popularity quickly, and above is the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1973. 

        -In Spain and other European countries; however, this symbol is used to suggest satanic association or spousal infidelity (the "cuckold"). In fact in 1985 after the Longhorns had a great football win, five Americans were arrested for celebrating in Rome near the Vatican using this gesture.