"Epa" "Jepa" "Hepa" "Yepa" "Iepa"
I am not sure of the correct spelling of this word, obviously. I have heard it used as a greeting, but I am not sure what it means.
I heard it's originally Argentinian, but I've heard Mexicans use it, too. I thought it was something like Hi/Hey, but a Peruvian girl referred to its use as "calling her epa" as opposed to it being used as a greeting. Also she said it's familiar, so it's rude to say to a stranger.
Thank you.
6 Answers
In Argentina, "epa" is used as a reaction to something unexpected. You can also find people who say "opa" or "upa"... even "apa", but all of them have the same meaning.
There is an Argentinian comercial where "apa" can be clearly heard at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdaB7D-Tn4M
You can also hear a perfect "che" at the beginning.
Here in the basque country we use ¡Epa! or ¡Aúpa! as a greeting.
The ¡Epa! expression , I don't know from where it comes, while the expression iAupa! I presume that comes from the Euskera voice aupatu that means to lift.
https://youtu.be/nCvslcftoRg
https://youtu.be/ft27S2wh4fU
It's an interjection that can have various meanings depending on the context. You might find it helpful to have a look at the RAE definition of the word: Epa
Simply put. It means Excuse me to get attention. also said after a belch or something.
I know exactly what you're talking about! I have a Venezuelan friend who says Epa all the time. It's also in a bunch of songs. Like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beuRgIqxTnY at 1:54. I would use it like Oye! like Hey!
I hear "hep" all the time. It is like "hey" in English. I have never heard it with an "a" on the end of it.
Well based on Observers link I guess there is an "a" on the end of it and in the normal manner of paceños (people from La Paz) they do not pronounce it becuase all I hear is "ep".
