The term “They!” As an expression of surprise or silliness
So, I have been married 20 Years to a fine woman from the Ozarks of Missouri. Her family regularly used the term they to make an expression.
It might be used like this.
The neighbors nearly burned their house down trying to defrost their turkey.
They!
Or even
Storms are coming we make have to take shelter.
they!
I don’t know what to make of it, but I was watching a show about old times tonight and they used it.
Can anyone give me so etymology of this usage?
Solve a 20 year mystery for me, please.
they
New contributor
add a comment |
So, I have been married 20 Years to a fine woman from the Ozarks of Missouri. Her family regularly used the term they to make an expression.
It might be used like this.
The neighbors nearly burned their house down trying to defrost their turkey.
They!
Or even
Storms are coming we make have to take shelter.
they!
I don’t know what to make of it, but I was watching a show about old times tonight and they used it.
Can anyone give me so etymology of this usage?
Solve a 20 year mystery for me, please.
they
New contributor
Not familiar at all. (Are you sure it's not a pronunciation of "Hey!"?)
– Hot Licks
1 hour ago
All I can think of is a 1954 science fiction movie called Them! about giant ants . . .
– Jason Bassford
1 hour ago
add a comment |
So, I have been married 20 Years to a fine woman from the Ozarks of Missouri. Her family regularly used the term they to make an expression.
It might be used like this.
The neighbors nearly burned their house down trying to defrost their turkey.
They!
Or even
Storms are coming we make have to take shelter.
they!
I don’t know what to make of it, but I was watching a show about old times tonight and they used it.
Can anyone give me so etymology of this usage?
Solve a 20 year mystery for me, please.
they
New contributor
So, I have been married 20 Years to a fine woman from the Ozarks of Missouri. Her family regularly used the term they to make an expression.
It might be used like this.
The neighbors nearly burned their house down trying to defrost their turkey.
They!
Or even
Storms are coming we make have to take shelter.
they!
I don’t know what to make of it, but I was watching a show about old times tonight and they used it.
Can anyone give me so etymology of this usage?
Solve a 20 year mystery for me, please.
they
they
New contributor
New contributor
New contributor
asked 3 hours ago
Tim
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Not familiar at all. (Are you sure it's not a pronunciation of "Hey!"?)
– Hot Licks
1 hour ago
All I can think of is a 1954 science fiction movie called Them! about giant ants . . .
– Jason Bassford
1 hour ago
add a comment |
Not familiar at all. (Are you sure it's not a pronunciation of "Hey!"?)
– Hot Licks
1 hour ago
All I can think of is a 1954 science fiction movie called Them! about giant ants . . .
– Jason Bassford
1 hour ago
Not familiar at all. (Are you sure it's not a pronunciation of "Hey!"?)
– Hot Licks
1 hour ago
Not familiar at all. (Are you sure it's not a pronunciation of "Hey!"?)
– Hot Licks
1 hour ago
All I can think of is a 1954 science fiction movie called Them! about giant ants . . .
– Jason Bassford
1 hour ago
All I can think of is a 1954 science fiction movie called Them! about giant ants . . .
– Jason Bassford
1 hour ago
add a comment |
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Not familiar at all. (Are you sure it's not a pronunciation of "Hey!"?)
– Hot Licks
1 hour ago
All I can think of is a 1954 science fiction movie called Them! about giant ants . . .
– Jason Bassford
1 hour ago