In 2017, I started my A-to-Z challenge which was themed "Malaysiana" with an often-used Malaysian exclamation "Alamak". This year, I've decided to go with another common Malaysian word - Aiyoh (pronounced eye-yoh). Apparently, Aiyoh and it's close cousin Aiyah was added into the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016! Who knew? Not me!
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Aiyoh is an interjection commonly used to express dismay or pain. I agree with that definition but Aiyoh is such a nuanced word that depending on the intonation, it can be used in many ways. The various ways I've used the word Aiyoh:
When my sister sent me a picture of the various foods she had for a meal, I replied to her "Aiyoh, so many different foods." In this instance, Aiyoh = amazement.
When my mum told me the neighbour's dog had snuck into their yard and my mum secretly lavished the dog with hugs and kisses, I told her Aiyohhhh, which I used in the place of "Oh dear..." because I knew the neighbour would get upset later when they found out that their dog had snuck out.
Another time I've used this interjection was when I was at the morning market, browsing at the various stalls when an old lady and her trolley hit my shin from behind, I exclaimed AII-YOHHH! And glared at her. No explanation needed here I believe for what the word Aiyoh in that instance meant.
Here, Aiyoh is used to depict Oh dear LOL
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