English
Etymology
From Yidd. �ױ �װ�ַ�� (oy gvald). This comes from G. Gewalt (power, force violence) and Pl. gwa�t ("violence", the Polish word has since gravitated into "rape"). On the other hand, in the usage of polish Jewry, the word was used for harm of any kind (including even being given an unfavourable price when haggling).
Interjection
en-intj|pos=oy gevalt
- uh oh!
Usage notes
The expression is usually one of worry at the realization of negative consequences or the recognition of something that is adverse.
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