Expat.com is back with its creole expressions. The aim is to give you an insight into the language and help your cultural immersion. This week’s expression is “ayo”.
You cannot go a day without hearing a Mauritian use the word “ayo” (ah-yo). It is literally the most versatile expression of the Mauritian's vocabulary. It is used to express a plethora of emotions and in a lot of different situations.
“Ayo” is used to express dismay. You just missed your bus? Your favorite team lost its game? There are no equivalent words in English that are not swear words, we believe. But “Ayo” is not a swear word in Mauritian creole.
“Ayo” is also used to express love for something. “Ayo, I love your dress!” or “Ayo, what a lovely venue for a wedding”.
“Ayo” can be used to express dread. For example, when its Sunday and you really do not want to go into work the next day you would say something like “Ayo, do I really need to go to work tomorrow?”.
