oy gevalt

American  

[oi ge-vawlt] / ˈɔɪ gɛˈvɔlt /

Also oy

interjection

Yiddish.

1. (used to express dismay, pain, shock, grief, etc., or as a cry for help).

   I’ve had a nasty week, and, oy gevalt, it's only Monday!

   As I stood in shock, surrounded by broken glass, I could hear my mom shouting, "Aaron! Oy gevalt!"

---

Etymology

Origin of oy gevalt

First recorded in 1915–20; from Yiddish oy gevald “oh woe,” from oy oy ¹ ( def. ) + gevald “force, violence”; herald ( def. ), wield ( def. )

Example Sentences

Oy gevalt, she was utterly meshuge.

From Literature

“Frankie, what I said back there about love, I—” Oy gevalt, why wouldn’t the words come out?

From Literature

Then I think God wipes her brow and goes, "Oy gevalt."

From Salon

Having grown up in the Bronx, I can tell you: Oy gevalt, these companies are driving me meshugeneh.

From Washington Post

“It’s where I first learned the expression ‘Oy gevalt,’” Wallace said.

From Seattle Times