Last week on the 2NRS Breakfast with Liam and Adair, I told a story I had recently heard from a friend – a story that turned my world upside down.

My friend had recently returned from the US, after living there for several years. Soon after he first moved there, he went to a good friend’s birthday party and got a big surprise when – after the party had finished singing Happy Birthday – he yelled ‘HIP HIP’ and didn’t quite get the response he’d hoped for…

Listen to the story here. As well as our discussion on the absolute power-games involved in determining who get’s to say ‘hip hip’.

Also, please enjoy a video of the incredible NZ journo David Farrier experiencing this phenomena in real time and dealing with it in the best way.

just wanted to wish @elvyyost an early happy birthday. had a wee birthday cake last night & was disturbed to discover americans don’t say “hip hip — HOORAY!” at the end of happy birthday, which is the correct end to the song . glad to be here to educate them & spread knowledge pic.twitter.com/Xf3AjbI3WL

— David Farrier (@davidfarrier) December 21, 2018