wisha, int. Anglo-Ir. colloq.
(ˈwɪʃə)
[ad. Ir. mhuise indeed (the unlenited form muise gives anglicized musha musha).]
An exclamation indicating dismay, emphasis, or surprise.
| 1826 M. Wilmot Let. 29 Feb. (1935) 234 O ‘wisha’ ‘wisha’, shall I ever arrive at the ball I promised you! 1842 S. Lover Handy Andy vi. 70 I'm afeard o' my life to go to bed!.. Wisha! but I'd give the world it was mornin'. 1898 J. D. Brayshaw Slum Silhouettes 49 Oh, wisha! didn't he break the leg of me wid his stick? 1914 Joyce Dubliners 157 ‘Wisha! wisha,’ says I. ‘A pound of chops..coming into the Mansion House.’ 1936 ‘F. O'Connor’ Bones of Contention 8 Wisha, for goodness' sake will you come down and leave the girl sleep? 1965 N. Munster Antiquarian Jrnl. IX. iv. 186 Wisha, I don't know what to say. 1978 ‘M. M. Kaye’ Far Pavilions lviii. 812 Wisha, but it's a gloomy devil you are an' all. |