oy vey

American  

[oi vey] / ˈɔɪ ˈveɪ /

interjection

Yiddish.

1. (used to express distress, exasperation, upset, alarm, etc., sometimes minor).

   Just had another session with my mom, planning my wedding—oy vey, she’s taking over!

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Etymology

Origin of oy vey

First recorded in 1910–15; from Yiddish oy vey “oh woe,” from oy oy ¹ ( def. ) + vey “woe”; see also woe ( def. )

Example Sentences

“Camp Siegfried,” which opened on Tuesday at Second Stage Theater, in a thoughtful production directed by David Cromer, is an oy vey kind of play.

From New York Times • Nov. 15, 2022

I even shacked up with a goy – oy vey!

From The Guardian • Dec. 21, 2019

Yet the work we’re shown that’s meant to illustrate their genius ends up looking — oy vey — as if it should hang on a motel wall.

From Washington Post • Oct. 11, 2017

And — oy vey — there goes any illusion of authenticity.

From Washington Post • Oct. 11, 2017