- Snackboyz, Michigan, 2011
lahiem
interjection; other word formation type Semantic change with a spelling change. Originally L'chaim from Jewish religion as a means to toast or congratulate others. Originally meant as a toast for drinking and having a good time meaning "to life!", which explains how the semantic change could have happened. Often used in a joking manner to invoke a laugh.; joke, jokingly
Can take many different meanings. Generally it is used to agree with a statement or proposition one has made. If a remark is excitatory to a group of people, it can be used as a means to show this excitement for the statement that was made. Can be used as a congratulatory remark. Can be used to replace the word "hello" or "hey" to introduce one's presence or to start a conversation. Can also be used in the opposite context to end or conversation, saying "bye", or signal the agreement on specific terms, therefore ending a train of thought.
Etymology : From Jewish L'chaim, also spelled Lechaim or lehaim from Hebrew. Found in the early 13th century in old Rabbi literature. Spelling change occurred simply from phonetic sound of the pronunciation from the three syllables, La-hi-em.
Source : "Oh lahiem! You already know."
Last modified: 27 November 2013