Hail Columbia

noun

, Slang.

1. hell (used as a euphemism):

   He caught Hail Columbia for coming home late.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hail Columbia¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Long may we hear old Hail Columbia, that good old national air, played on all our martial instruments!

From Project Gutenberg

I felt like giving him 'Hail Columbia,' but I restrained myself.

From Project Gutenberg

The hint was sufficient; not only did we hear no more of "Hail Columbia," but none of the musicians ever came near the ship.

From Project Gutenberg

Directly afterwards, two other officers rode in, and were likewise saluted with "Hail Columbia!"

From Project Gutenberg

But we were prouder still, when, as we were going out with the throng, the band struck up "Hail Columbia."

From Project Gutenberg