The commonly seen etymology of ofay—Pig Latin for foe—is perhaps of less interest than the more likely story of this word’s origins. The word, which is first recorded in the first quarter of the 20th century, must have been in use much longer if it is, as some scholars think, borrowed from an African source. Although this source has not been pinned down, the suggested possibilities are in themselves interesting. One would trace it to the Ibibio word afia, “white or light-colored.” Another would have it come from Yoruba ofe, a word that was said in order to protect oneself from danger. The term was then transferred to white people, regarded as a danger to Black people throughout the wretched days of slavery and beyond.
…but is probably not the derivation. JE Lighter says origin unknown. He discounts the pig Latin theory by saying that it is too well distributed around the world in literature.
Here are his earliest cites:
n. Black English a white person.–usually used contemptuously. 1925 "We hear that Booker Red had three ofays on his staff.
adj. Black English -characteristic of whites; ethnically white. Also as adverb. 1911 “I saw a mardi-gras suit of clothes that might have been ‘ofay’ on a negro minstrel… They were made of wonderfully figured stuff and had red lapels.”
“proposed African etyma remain dubious; nor is there convincing evidence for an origin in French au fait ‘experienced; expert’;”
This brings up a point we discussed here about slang words coming from Africa. Most of them can be traced in print well into the last century, few having print origins as late as ofay.
I’m sorry if I forget to give the whole of the reference I use when I just say “Lighter.” It’s properly titled Random House Historical dictionary of American Slang, Vol. I-II edited by J.E.Lighter.
Thanks, I was hoping for an African origin; the Pig Latin never seemed quite right. I always love it when etymologists dig up an African origin for anything Ebonic.
