yay

¹ American  

[yey] / yeɪ /

interjection

Informal.

1. (an exclamation used to express joy, excitement, etc.)

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yay ² American  

[yey] / yeɪ /

Or yea

adverb

Informal.

1. to the extent, amount, etc., indicated.

   The doll is about yay high.

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yay British  

/ jeɪ /

interjection

1. informal an exclamation indicating approval, congratulation, or triumph

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Etymology

Origin of yay¹

First recorded in 1960–65; perhaps alteration of yeah

Origin of yay²

Probably < yea

Example Sentences

“At least if she’d gone around poisoning people, she’d have been showing her true colors. Instead, she’s sneaky about it, trying to make everyone believe she’s one kind of person when she’s really another. I mean, yay that no sandwiches were poisoned. But just because she’s not actively hurting people doesn’t mean she’s not causing harm. She steps on other people to make herself feel bigger. That’s bad too.”

From Literature

The circumstances suck, but, yay, it’s a fun ride.”

From Los Angeles Times

She was savvy enough to maintain what she called her “yay folder” in her former position.

From The Wall Street Journal

People who make this a habit refer to the collection of accolades as a “brag binder,” “yay folder” or “smile file.”

From The Wall Street Journal

I hadn't thought about it till it came out in the press, so yay, yay for me.

From Barron's