Wow

The ubiquitous interjection!

It’s similar to the ‘one-size-fits-all’ jeans – the single word is used to express surprise, awe, and sarcastic disapproval. I’m not too sure whether the use of the word is a reflection of being at a loss for words (because no word from the lexicon could describe the feeling), or a poor vocabulary or, worse still, being at a loss for words because of a poor vocabulary!

Since this word is used so often and in a multitude of contexts, I decided to research on the etymology of the word. It so happens that the documented use of the word dates back to the early 16^th Century, in Scotland, is onomatopoetic, much like ‘bang’ or ‘hiss’, was used as a noun and/or verb (but now as an adjective as well!) and is informal in usage.

The word though handy, has, to an extent, crippled our use of wonderful nouns and stunted our language skills. I wonder though, if it might be a cousin of our own ‘wah’!

The next time you see a painting, a wo/man, a flower or listen to music,  try using exquisite or beautiful/handsome or wonderful or splendid or….....wow (?) ! 

Sigh!

Smt. Vidushi Kishori Amonkar, Raga Yaman Kalyan