Where does “oy” come from?
Oy is an exclamation borrowed from Yiddish אוי, whose origin and earlier etymology remain uncertain.
oy (English): An exclamation typically expressing mild frustration or expressing feelings of uncertainty or concern
Definitions
- An exclamation typically expressing mild frustration or expressing feelings of uncertainty or concern
Ancestry of “oy”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yiddish | אוי | oh, ah, ugh, oy |