In a significant nod to South African culture, the word "Yoh" has made its prestigious entry into the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).
The latest update features around 600 new words and phrases drawn from diverse English dialects globally, including words from Philippine English, Malaysian English, Singapore English, South African English and Irish English.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines "yoh" as "representing a cry or exclamation used to express various emotions or reactions (such as surprise, wonder, admiration, shock or distress). Sometimes also reduplicated."
For many South Africans, this single word transcends mere linguistics. It encapsulates a way of life, thriving in conversations from daily greetings to expressions of astonishment at unexpected news.
"The interjection yoh, which the OED was able to trace to 1855, comes from two of them: it is an imitative utterance that is probably after the Afrikaans 'jo' and the Xhosa 'yho' or 'yo'," read an official statement from Oxford.
However, "yoh" is not alone in the accolade of joining the prestigious dictionary; several other South African words have also made the cut.
Gatvol, tjoekie, Seshweshwe, shweshwe, makarapa, zol, moggy and sharp-sharp, have also been included.
The dictionary describes gatvol as: "A South African slang term describing a person who has had enough; one who is extremely annoyed, unhappy or bored, especially with a state of affairs that has persisted for a long time."
Tjoekie is described as: "A slang term for word jail or prison", and sharp-sharp as a casual way to say hello or goodbye.
It is also a way to compliment someone’s style or just to comment on how generally excellent or fantastic they are.
The inclusion of "yoh" and its companions not only positions South Africa's regional dialects on a global stage but also reflects a broader trend within the English language itself.
By incorporating these words, the OED champions a more inclusive understanding of English, honouring its myriad forms and regional variations.
As the dictionary is widely regarded as the definitive authority on the English language, this update underscores the urgency of embracing local dialects in a world that is increasingly interconnected.