hi-yah

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /haɪˈjɑː/

• Audio (Southern England)

  (file)

Interjection

hi-yah

1. (often humorous) Accompanying an attacking move in (parodies of) Eastern martial arts such as karate.
   • 2017, Jerry Mahoney, My Rotten Stepbrother Ruined Snow White, page 101:

     She leaped down beside him and took a karate stance. “Hi-yah!” she shouted. She kicked as high as she could, first with one foot, then with the other.

   • 2020, K. Anthony Wilson, Better Together:

     I double over and hear a karate ninja sound. “Hi Yah!” A sharp chop to my neck brings me down to the floor. What just happened?

See also

• kiai