The rhythmic chant used by most livestock auctioneers in the United States is unique to North America. It evolved as auctioneers saw the need to sell animals in a more rapid manner. The chant is used to hold the attention of the audience and to keep the auction moving at a steady pace. Unlike other types of sales, an auction is an event where all the customers are present at the same time. Thus, the auctioneer is responsible for selling all the animals within a few hours, and his or her use of the chant helps keep the items moving.
Most auctioneers have their own series or combination of filler words.
These words are everything except the numbers. Filler words are used to restate the last number bid and to give buyers time to consider whether they want to bid higher. Auctioneers create a steady rhythm in their chants by using phrases that flow and roll. The rhythm enables the crowd to listen longer and faster by keeping the bids at regular intervals. This helps the bidders know what to expect next and to keep the bids coming at a constant pace.