yo, interjection

/jɔ(ː)/
Forms:
yho, yhooShow more Also yho, yhoo, jo.
Origin:
IsiXhosa.
An exclamation expressing any of a variety of emotions, especially surprise, wonder, contempt, dismay, and disbelief.
1871 J. Mackenzie Ten Yrs N. of Orange River 444Then followed the wild chorus, expressive of great anguish — ‘Yo — yo — yo!’ the mourners falling on their faces, tearing their hair, and beating their breasts.
1925 D. Kidd Essential Kafir 38They have many very expressive exclamations, such as ‘Yo!’ when they wish to show contempt.
1953 D.C. Themba in Drum Apr. 48They were all crying bitterly: ‘Jo-o! Jo-o! Jo-nana-jo!’
1975 E. Prov. Herald 5 July 9‘Yo, food costs too much,’ the women said, clicking their tongues and shaking their heads.
1979 Staffrider Vol.2 No.1, 26‘Maybe we’re going to receive wage rises.’ ‘Yo, Maria. I wouldn’t cling to that hope if I were you.’
1983 Fair Lady 1 June 45As for training the children — yo! The homework to be done for school.
1990 J. Rosenthal Wake Up Singing 49Yo! This is terrible.
An exclamation expressing any of a variety of emotions, especially surprise, wonder, contempt, dismay, and disbelief.
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18711990
yissus, interjectionint.yoke key, noun phrasen. phr.
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