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yo

1

[ yoh ]

interjection

  1. (used as an exclamation to get someone's attention, express excitement, greet someone, etc.)
  2. here; present: used especially in answer to a roll call.


y.o.

2

abbreviation for

  1. year old; years old.

yo

/ jəʊ /

sentence substitute

  1. an expression used as a greeting, to attract someone's attention, etc
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of yo1

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425
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Word History and Origins

Origin of yo1

C20: of unknown origin
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Example Sentences

"He knew this was a bubbling issue, and so his idea was to bring together a symposium," says Fab 5 Freddy, who was hosting Yo!

From BBC

“I know I’m a public figure and I’m Keke Palmer and ‘It’s yo’ girl!’” she says, putting on an upbeat voice.

“I said a prayer: Fernando, por favor, no-no-no me molestes, yo tengo miedo. Wait until we get up there and we’ll joke around, but don’t mess around with my house. I was scared.”

When I heard “hologram,” I was like, “Yo, I love tech, so say no more‍—I’m there.”

From Slate

While we were waiting, I said, “Let me share something as well” because I love sharing music and I played the song “Divine Intervention” from my album, and they were like “Yo, man. Wow.”

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More About Yo

What is a basic definition of yo?

Yo is an interjection that is used for getting someone’s attention, greeting someone, or expressing strong feelings. Yo is also used to mean “here” or “present,” as in response to a roll call.

Yo is a very flexible interjection that is used similarly to hey. The specific meaning of yo depends on the context it is used in. Yo is most often used informally and wouldn’t be used in formal writing that isn’t quotes or dialogue.

  • Real-life examples: You might greet a pal with a friendly “Yo!” Or you might try to get the attention of a distracted driver with an angry “Yo!”
  • Used in a sentence: Yo, Teddy! How is it going? 

Yo is also used to mean “here” or “present,” especially in response to someone calling your name.

  • Real-life examples: It might be too casual to say yo when your teacher reads your name during roll call, but your basketball coach probably won’t mind. And when someone asks who in a group wants pizza, you can definitely raise your hand and say “Yo!” to mean that you do.

Where does yo come from?

The first records of yo date back to around 1375. It originally comes from Middle English.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for yo?

How is yo used in real life?

Yo is a common interjection that is often used to call someone’s attention.

Try using yo!

Is yo used correctly in the following sentence?

Yo, would you turn off the music so I can get some sleep?

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