Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Trevor Peterson <06PETERSON AT cua.edu>]

While learning Hebrew, I was struck by the fact that "my enemies" is 
pronounced oyvey, but I highly doubt that that has anything to do with 
anything . . .

Trevor Peterson
CUA/Semitics

>===== Original Message From "Matthew R. Miller" <biblicalscribe AT hotmail.com> 
=====
>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
>
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