0

I have been recently reading Romeo and Juliet, and towards the beginning of the balcony scene, Juliet says

Ay me.

What does this phrase mean and when was it first created/used?

Improve this question
3
  • 1
    Ay me: From Middle French aymi. Interjection (now archaic) Expressing grief, sorrow. en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/ay_me
    – Gio
    Nov 17 at 20:23
  • 3
    @Gio please post as an answer.
    – Weather Vane
    Nov 17 at 20:48
  • 1
    More commonly expressed as "Ah me!" (The Italian for Alas is still Ahimè.)
    – Kate Bunting
    Nov 18 at 8:58

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

At the time of writing, English was heavily influenced by French. It may therefore be best to look to France for an explanation:

Glossaire de la Langue Romaine
has: Ainmi, aimi, aimini, aymi, emi, heimi, hemi; Exclamation. Le pronom mi, moi, réuni à l'optatif du verbe aier, aider, a produit ces exclamations composées.

Loosely translated, this says:

Ainmi, aimi, aimini, aymi, emi, heimi, hemi; Exclamation.
The pronoun mi or moi, joined to the optative form of the verb aier, or aider, (to help) has produced these joined exclamations.

The optative form is a grammatical mood that indicates a wish or hope regarding a given action. Hence we may understand Juliet to be saying "I hope I may be helped", which fits the context of her difficult amorous predicament. .

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    The OP also asked when it was first used in English.
    – Heartspring
    Nov 18 at 14:34
  • 1
    @Heartspring Indeed they do but, lacking reliable information, I cannot answer that part.
    – Anton
    Nov 18 at 21:16

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.