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!"

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Etymology

Origin of oy gevalt

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

Example Sentences

A bagel with big air holes is like a baked potato that is all skin – oy gevalt!

From Seattle Times • Jul. 26, 2019

The moment they start talking about industry — oy gevalt!

From New York Times • Mar. 20, 2012