Oi

Oi is an interjection used to attract someone's attention or address them directly. In informal English, it functions similarly to “hey” or “you there” and is common in British English, Irish English, and Australian English. Depending on tone and context, it can express friendliness, surprise, annoyance, or urgency.

Origins of the word are not precisely known. It is often described as a vernacular development of attention-getters such as “hey.” Its spelling and capitalization vary: oi or Oi is typical at the start of a sentence, while lowercase may appear in quoted speech or informal writing.

Beyond English, the term appears in other languages as a greeting. In Brazilian Portuguese, oi is a standard informal greeting equivalent to “hi” or “hello,” widely used in casual conversation.

In popular culture, “Oi!” is also the name of a working-class punk rock movement that emerged in Britain in the late 1970s and spread internationally. The term is used in band names, fanzines, and media to describe a direct, street-level style of punk.

Social context influences its reception. In some settings, oi can be seen as brusque or confrontational, particularly when directed at strangers; in others, it signals casual friendliness. As with many interjections, its meaning and acceptability depend on regional norms, social setting, and vocal delivery.