Re: 'Ay, caramba!"

Posted by Smokey Stover on March 27, 2004

In Reply to: 'Ay ceramble" posted by Jason on March 27, 2004

: Hi there,
: I never quite sure about this expression "Ay caramble"(it may be spelled differently!).
: Is it an expression used to indicate the reaction to suprises or "Oh my god"?

: Thanks

My Spanish dictionary is a bit old-fashioned. It translates the expression as either "Confound it!" or "Gracious me!" It's probably a bit old-fashioned in Spanish, and it's a flexible interjection used to register surprise, much in the way we might say "Wow!" or "Holy Smoke!" Don't translate it as "Oh my god!" When Spanish-speakers want to say that, they do (in Spanish). I doubt that "Ay, caramba!" would often require translation. Most English-speaking Americans are familiar with the expression and its use. SS

• Re: 'Ay, caramba!" Brian from Shawnee 28/March/04