"Yar" is a word or expression that is generally associated with pirates.
Yar, pronounced "yahr," is a word that appears in many languages and has a variety of spellings and meanings. Most commonly, yar, along with the variations "yarr" and "arrr," is understood to be the written form of the growl or guttural exclamation that is uttered by pirates. It can also mean "yes" in pirate slang. However, other forms, uses and derivations do exist.
Nautical Roots
According to the Dictionary of English Nautical Language Database, "yare," also pronounced "yahr" and derived from the Old High German word, "garo," meaning "ready," refers to a well-designed, easy-to-handle boat. "Yar" is also connected to the Gaelic word, "garbh," meaning "rugged," which accounts for the naming of the River Yar on the Isle of Wight.
Pirate Connection
Since pirates are also associated with ships and the sea, it is understandable that "yar" became part of pirate lingo. In the language of pirates, "yar" is a snarling, guttural growl, or it means "yes," much like "aye." "Yar" is still used occasionally as an English-language slang for "yes," used frequently by people who write about pirates, or who attempt to replicate the language of pirates.
Ukraine and Russia
In Ukraine and Russia, the word "yar" finds its way into many place names, such as Chasov Yar, Krasny Yar and the infamous Babi or Babyn Yar, where the massacre of the same name occurred in 1941. "Yar" in this case is defined as "ravine," yet another word that has an association with water.
Pashtun
In the Sindhi language, which is spoken primarily in Pakistan, "yar" means "friend." "Yar" is also a name given to some boys by the Pashtun people. The majority of Pashtun are found in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
More Slang
"Yar" is sometimes used in English as a slang variation of "your" and "year." Additionally, "YAR" is occasionally used as an abbreviation for "you are right" or, in reference to computers, "yet another reload" or "yet another reboot."
Related posts
Cats find duvets just as snuggly as humans do.On a chilly night, do you snuggle up in a down comforter or a duvet? The main difference lies not in the construction of the blanket, but in how it is...
The Meaning of FearFear is an emotion that holds a certain intensity of energy. Any number of situations, people, or events can invoke a person's sense of fear. And while this emotion is meant to...
A gold ounce is a troy ounce, heavier than a regular ounce.A "gold ounce" is one troy ounce of elemental or pure gold. A troy ounce weighs 31.103 grams, compared to 28.348 grams for a st...
Lady Justice can have slight variations specific to a locale or institution.A statue of justice, also called "Lady Justice" or "Blind Justice," is commonly a woman holding a sw...
It will be helpful to learn some Hungarian phrases before traveling to Hungary and parts of Eastern Europe.Hungarian is a Uralic language spoken by about 13 million people around the world. The of...
