interjection
oy vey
oy VAY
Oy vey (interjection) means an exclamation of dismay, exasperation or weary despair, borrowed from Yiddish. It is the sound of someone reacting to bad news, foolishness or one problem too many. Example: “Oy vey, not another form to fill in.”
interjection
1
informal An exclamation of dismay, exasperation or weary despair, borrowed from Yiddish. It is the sound of someone reacting to bad news, foolishness or one problem too many.
"Oy vey, not another form to fill in."
"He looked at the bill and just said, oy vey."
How to use oy vey
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOh no — said with a sigh.
When to use it
Informal, conversational, often affectionate or comic. Usually stands alone or opens a sentence.
Common pairings
oy vey iz mir
oy vey, what a day
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Etymology
From Yiddish oy vey, literally 'oh, woe', where vey is related to German Weh, meaning pain or woe. The fuller form oy vey iz mir means 'oh, woe is me'.
Synonyms
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oh no
good grief
for heaven's sake
oy gevalt
Related words
Rhymes for oy vey
See all rhymes for oy vey →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between oy vey and oy gevalt?
Oy vey is everyday weariness or dismay — a sigh at something annoying. Oy gevalt is stronger and more alarmed, closer to a cry for help or an exclamation of shock. Gevalt is the one you use when something is actually going wrong.
Do you have to be Jewish to say oy vey?
No. It has passed into general English, especially American English, and is widely used and understood. It is worth knowing it comes from Yiddish, and it lands better said with genuine exasperation than as a costume.
How is oy vey spelled?
Oy vey is the usual English spelling; oi vey, oy vay and oy veh all appear, since it is a transliteration from Hebrew script and no single form is official.
What is the meaning of oy vey?
"oy vey" (interjection) means an exclamation of dismay, exasperation or weary despair, borrowed from Yiddish. It is the sound of someone reacting to bad news, foolishness or one problem too many.
