Chips on a Sandwich | no. 9 | PARDON MY INTERJECTION!
Interjection | noun | an abrupt remark, made especially as an aside or interruption.
[in no paticular order]
OY: Used to express exasperation or dismay. First known use was in 1892; of Yiddish origin. Add vey --as in oy vey-- for an expression of grief. Brooklyn-based artist Deborah Kass is well known for her OY/YO sculpture whose home was at the foot of the Manhattan bridge from 2015-2016. The artistic word play resonated with many borough dwellers: YO being Spanish for "I am" and its inverse of OY representing the large Jewish population. I thought it was stunning. An expression I love to use in big, yellow block letters with the city skyline as a backdrop.
HUMPH: Used to express doubt or contempt. Imitative of a grunt. First used in 1803. Also, the song title-- Humph! by Pentagon-- the popular South Korean boy band-- in their 2019 album SUM(ME:R). The lyrics are supposed to represent a childlike sulk--as in when someone you like doesn't give you enough attention. I'm not familiar with this genre of music but I love all the group member's hair. Watch Humph!.
SHEESH: Used to express disappointment, annoyance, or surprise. A newbie compared to the others-- first recorded use was in 1955. It's also the name of a digital publication that was establish this past February in LA; published "by the young and influential, for the young and influential." Check our SHEESH! magazine.
PSHAW: Used to express irritation, disapproval, contempt, or disbelief. First known use was in 1607. My favorite interjection. My great aunt Angie pshawed everyone, all the time.
EGAD: A mild exclamation of surprise, contempt, outrage, etc. First known use was in 1673. Can't you just hear this poor fellow exclaim "Egad!" about his sore throat.
TUT-TUT: To express disapproval or disbelief by or as if by uttering tut. And the elder of this group-- first recorded use was in 1566! Included in a beloved line from Winnie the Pooh: “Christopher Robin! Will you kindly shake your umbrella and say ‘tut tut it looks like rain!’?”
POLL: Which swear word does it for you? (From last week's poll-- you all love golden over burnt marshmallows for s'mores.)