Wallah

Wallah is a colloquial term commonly used in many South Asian languages, particularly Urdu and Hindi, and has spread to English, especially in British English and in contexts influenced by South Asian culture. It is an interjection that is roughly equivalent to "I swear" or "by God." It is used to emphasize the truthfulness of a statement or to express strong conviction.

The word originates from the Arabic term "wallahi" ( والله ), which means "by God." This religious invocation has been adopted and adapted into everyday speech in South Asia, losing some of its strictly religious connotation and becoming a general intensifier. It can be used in both casual and serious conversations, though its usage can vary in formality.

People might say "Wallah, I didn't know!" to express genuine surprise and to assure the listener that they are being truthful. Similarly, it can be used to add emphasis when recounting an event, such as "Wallah, it was the biggest fish I've ever seen." While its primary function is to attest to truth, it can also sometimes be used humorously or even ironically, depending on the context and tone of the speaker. The term is widely recognized and understood within communities that have a strong South Asian influence.