booyakasha

English

Etymology

Of unclear origin, although many spurious theories exist. Possibly of Jamaican origin, as an extended form of boo-ya. Intended as a simulation of a shotgun blast and used in hip-hop, e.g. "Keep Their Heads Ringin’" by Dr Dre (1995) and before that by Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. in the late 1980s. Popularised by comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, whose character Ali G used it during the 1990s and early 2000s. Cohen could also have intended it to be a portmanteau of "boo-ya" and the Hebrew word for "you're welcome, which is בְּבַקָּשָׁה, phonetically "bevakasha."

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

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Interjection

booyakasha

1. (slang) Used to express triumph, normally if trying to appear "gangsta".

See also

• boo-ya
• buíochas, Irish language word for thanks of which booyakasha might be a corruption.