Published on 01/10/2024 06:19
Updated on 01/10/2024 06:19
Video length: 3 min
The English adopt our “wesh”
Is a “pandemic” of “wesh” sweeping across London since a British rapper used it in one of his songs? Julien Barret, linguist and author of the Grand Livre des Punchlines, takes the opportunity to return to the origin of this interjection present in France since the 1990s
(FRANCEINFO/ THOMAS SELLIN)
A “pandemic” of “wesh” is spreading across London since a British rapper incorporated it into one of his songs. Linguist Julien Barret takes this opportunity to explore the origins of this interjection, which has been used in France since the 1990s.
The term “wesh,” used in France since the 1990s, is beginning to gain traction among young Londoners, thanks to the influence of Central Cee. At the end of August, the British rapper, who has a large following across the Channel, used it in the song Racing Car Noir by the Parisian JRK 19, where he is featured.
Nabeel, a Londoner active on TikTok, was the first to highlight the phenomenon in his city: “London is experiencing a ‘WSH pandemic.’ Everyone I know uses it. I think I even heard my cat say it the other day!” His video quickly went viral, garnering over 600,000 views and 80,000 likes.
The word “wesh” undoubtedly has its etymological roots in Arabic. Primarily used in Algeria, it appears in expressions like “Where are you going?”, conveying the meaning of “How are you?” or “What’s it like?”, which translate to “What is it?”. It is similar to “quoi” in French or “what” in English.
Julien Barret, linguist and author of Grand Livre des Punchlines from Seneca to Nekfeu, believes that “wesh” has its origins in Algerian Arabic, but also points to another reason for its emergence in France during the mid-1990s: “French rappers are reviving the ‘wesh, wesh, yo’ from American rap.” In 1996, the group Lunatic released their now-iconic song Crime Pays on the compilation Hostile. Booba begins the track with the famous “Wesh, wesh, yo”, likely borrowed from “Yesh yesh yo” by American rappers Heltah Skeltah, members of Fab5, who used it in their 1995 track Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka.
Further proof for Julien Barret that “words travel and have no borders.” He contends that rap artists are the pioneers of linguistic evolution, acting as the first to solidify expressions that flit like butterflies, anchoring them to sound and written mediums. In contrast, he suggests that dictionaries lag in formalizing these terms.
To emphasize his point, he notes: “Wesh is still not in the Petit Larousse, which is quite unusual for a dictionary that claims to reflect usage and the spirit of the times.”
Published on 01/10/2024 06:19
Updated on 01/10/2024 06:19
Video length: 3 min
(FRANCEINFO/ THOMAS SELLIN)
A “pandemic” of “wesh” is sweeping across London since a British rapper used it in one of his songs. Linguist Julien Barret takes the opportunity to return to the origin of this interjection, which has been present in France since the 1990s.
Origins and Meaning of ‘Wesh’
The expression “wesh”, used in France since the 1990s, is now finding its way into the lexicon of young Londoners. The linguistic migration can be attributed to Central Cee, a British rapper who used “wesh” in the song Racing car noir, which features Parisian artist JRK 19.
Nabeel, a TikTok user from London, helped bring attention to this phenomenon, stating, “London is experiencing a ‘WSH pandemic’. Everyone I know uses it. I think I even heard my cat say it the other day!” His video has garnered over 600,000 views and 80,000 likes, showcasing the viral nature of this linguistic trend.
Arab and French Influences
The word “wesh” originates from Arabic, primarily used in Algeria. It serves as a colloquial expression equivalent to asking, “How are you?” or “What’s up?” In this context, “wesh” can be compared to quoi in French or what in English.
Julien Barret, a linguist and author of the Grand Livre des Punchlines, notes that while “wesh” is Arabic in origin, it became popular in France in the mid-1990s due to the influence of rappers. He explains, “French rappers are bringing back the “wesh, wesh, yo” of American rap.” For instance, Booba’s song Crime pays features the early use of this expression.
The Evolution of the Word ‘Wesh’
Since the 1990s, “wesh” has evolved within the realms of French popular culture. Here are key historical moments showcasing its evolution:
- 1996: The group Lunatic releases Crime pays, popularizing the expression.
- 2020s: The term resurfaces among British youth through popular rap culture.
- Present: Used widely in social media, particularly among younger demographics.
How ‘Wesh’ Became a Global Phenomenon
Barret exemplifies the idea that “words travel and have no borders.” He suggests that rap artists serve as pioneers in linguistic adaptation, effectively contributing to the evolution and spread of language. By framing expressions within a musical context, these artists help naturalize them in daily language.
Barret emphasizes the dynamic nature of language: “They are the ones who can pin down an expression that flies like a butterfly, fix it on a sound and written medium. Dictionaries, for their part, are a little late in fixing it.”
Practical Insights: Usage and Social Implications
With the rise of “wesh” in British slang, several practical implications arise:
- Cultural Integration: The use of “wesh” reflects a blending of cultures, highlighting the harmony of linguistic exchange.
- Teen Speak: Young people often adopt colloquialisms to establish identity, and “wesh” serves this purpose in London.
- Social Media Impact: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram accelerate the proliferation of terms like “wesh.”
Case Study: The Impact of Central Cee
Central Cee’s impact on the London vernacular illustrates how modern rappers influence social language. By embedding “wesh” into his lyrical repertoire, he bridges cultural gaps, making French colloquialisms accessible and relatable to a new audience.
- Engagement: His fanbase actively engages with his music, amplifying the use of “wesh” across social networks.
- Trendy Language: The term has quickly become a trend among young listeners, demonstrating the influence of rap on everyday communication.
The Future of ‘Wesh’
As “wesh” continues to gain traction, it poses questions about what future expressions may arise from cross-cultural influences. Barret believes that as new words emerge from rap and youth culture, linguistic inclusivity will continue to enrich the English language.
Interestingly, despite its widespread use, “wesh” is still absent from traditional dictionaries like the Petit Larousse, raising discussions about linguistic recognition in formal contexts.
Conclusion
The journey of the expression “wesh” from Algeria to London’s urban lexicon showcases the fluidity of language and culture. The influence of rap music in popularizing phrases emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange in shaping modern communication.
