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Yiddish Question

From: "Matthew R. Miller" <biblicalscribe AT hotmail.com>
To: b-hebrew AT franklin.oit.unc.edu
Subject: Yiddish Question
Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2001 14:29:07 -0400

Shalom to all,
Since Yiddish is technically a fusion between Hebrew and German, I suppose
a Yiddish question is not out of place on this list. So, here it is: What
is the linguistic origin of the Yiddish phrase "oy vey?" I have been told
two separate explanations. One, from a former German professor, is that it
comes form the German expression "Oje," a simple expression of grief or
frustration. Another is that it is a contraction of a swear involving the
divine name, YHVH, thus "O!" + "YHVH." Any ideas? Thanks, Matt

Yiddish Question, Matthew R. Miller, 09/04/2001
- <Possible follow-up(s)>
- RE: Yiddish Question, Trevor Peterson, 09/04/2001
- Re: Yiddish Question, Jonathan D. Safren, 09/04/2001
- Re: Yiddish Question, Kevin W. Woodruff, 09/04/2001
- Re: Yiddish Question, stoney, 09/04/2001
- RE: Yiddish Question, Trevor Peterson, 09/04/2001
- Re: Yiddish Question, Ben Crick, 09/04/2001
- RE: Yiddish Question, Lisbeth S. Fried, 09/04/2001