‖ai, interjection
/aɪ/
- Origin:
- Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZuluShow more Etymology unknown: perhaps Afrikaans; or from isiXhosa hayi, isiZulu hhayi no.
colloquial
An exclamation expressing strong emotion such as amazement, consternation, pity, or regret. Cf. aikona interjection, haai.
1900 H. Blore Imp. Light Horseman 214Ai! There was an art in reloading when you sat astride of a galloping pony and the wind blew past your ears.
1989 J. Hobbs Thoughts in Makeshift Mortuary 8‘Ai, Missie Rose, my baby,’ Lindiwe mourned, rocking herself backwards and forwards.
An exclamation expressing strong emotion such as amazement, consternation, pity, or regret.
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