Aray

Part of speech: interjection

Definitions

1. An exclamation of sudden hurt or pain, used especially in Filipino and Spanish-influenced speech when someone is startled by a sharp sensation
2. A cry uttered on feeling a quick sting, ache or injury, borrowed from Tagalog and used as an expression of pain
3. A short outburst of distress spoken when something hurts suddenly, common in Philippine languages and informal English usage

Etymology: Filipino speakers cry "aray!" when something sudden hurts, much as English speakers say "ouch." It is a Tagalog interjection, and it is used across the Philippines in everyday speech. Its likely source is the Spanish "ay," a cry of pain that Spanish speakers have used for centuries. Spanish ruled the Philippines for more than three centuries and left many loanwords in Tagalog, so this link is plausible. The extra "-ray" sound is less certain, and its origin is not clear.