γειά μη > γιάμι

[Theseus]

In this EASY GREEK video, which is about ‘the first 50+ Greek words beginners should know’ at

at approximately 8:12 the two actors are in a restaurant where the one with a shock of black hair says to the close-shaven one ‘The food here is no good; it’s better over there’. He goes to the place ‘over there’ and indicates to the close-shaven actor his approval of the different place with a thumbs up and says what seems to be γειά μη before he tucks in to his sandwich. What in fact does he say and what does it mean?

 

[cougr]

He was saying "γιάμι" ie. yummy.

 

[Theseus]

I have never come across this interjection in Greek before! Of course, the English pronunciation ot the IPA shwa here is /ˈjʌm.i/, which is in Greek changed to / jam.i/, as so often happens with this English obscure vowel. Obvious after the event! Once more the faithful cougr comes to the rescue. Very many thanks yet again!

 

[cougr]

Between this thread and the one the other day, you shouldn't have any problems now figuring out the title of children's book, below.

 

[Theseus]

In a statement first attributed to Arthur Brisbane in a 1911 journal ‘one look is worth a thousand words’. In Greek it is rendered as Μία εικόνα, χίλιες λέξεις! Thanks, cougr!

 

[daeman]

I have never come across this interjection in Greek before!

When I was a kid, we used to say «μιαμ» when munching something tasty or even «μιαμ μιαμ» for double the pleasure.
But times pass and there are new kids on the block, bringing new words and expressions with them.

 

[Theseus]

I like μιαμ μιαμ μιαμ better, ‘Man! Γιάμι is clearly derived from English. BTW, is there a Greek onomatopoeic word for the sound of a liquid fizzing? Or do I make fizz and say, sizzle a different thread? I need guidance from a moderator.

 

[daeman]

A new thread would be better. Putting all eggs in one basket may be convenient, perhaps, but oh... the omelettes.

 

[SBE]

I must be away from Greece for very long because apart from μπλιάχ I don't use the rest. We don't usually go into two syllables for words like that.

 

[Theseus]

A new thread would be better. Putting all eggs in one basket may be convenient, perhaps, but oh... the omelettes.

My favourite food! μιαμ, μιαμ, από μένα, που είμαι τουλάχιστον στο νήμα αυτό, γνωστός προσωρινά όχι ως ο Θησέας αλλά ως ο Γιαμιχαραμ!,