Oski Yell

The Oski Yell is the University of California Berkeley spirit yell from which Cal's mascot, Oski the Bear, derives his name. Although Oski appeared in 1941, the yell was first performed around the turn of the 20th century. The yell's origins are uncertain, although the University of Illinois originated a similar yell in 1911 (with a different last line). The lyrics are:

Oski Wow-Wow!

Whiskey Wee-Wee!

Olee! Muckie-eye!

Olee! Berkeley-eye!

California! Wow!

A parody called Bossy Cow Cow exists at UC Davis (which was originally established as a farm for the use of Berkeley's College of Agriculture). This variation of the cheer originated in the 1920's:

Bossy Cow-Cow!

Honey Bee-Bee!

Oleo! Margarine!

Oleo! Butterine!

Alfalfa! Hay!

The Oski Yell is currently rarely heard in the stands, its function overtaken by spirit songs such as "Big C," "Fight for California," and "Sons of California." It can still be heard thundering from the Greek Theatre on friday nights before the Big Game at the annual Big Game Rally.

Bossy Cow-Cow, however, is still used today by UC Davis's California Aggie Marching Band-uh!

The Oski Yell is still in use in a modified form by Pigskin Pete at games played by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. In 1968, it was the subject of a National Film Board of Canada documentary Oskee Wee Wee. The team is located...
Read More