"Karamba" is an exotic word that is often used in the English-speaking world, but has a Spanish origin. This term means in some cases a surprised exclamation. Its worldwide popularity is due to some American films and cartoons.
Spanish expression of surprise
"Karamba" - this word is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable. Since this term is exclusively Spanish, it is preferable to refer to the explanatory dictionary in this language in order to understand the subtlety of its meaning. In the dictionary of the Royal Academy of Spanish, the meaning of the word "karamba" is represented by a series of exclamations of surprise, among which are the following:
- Here are those on!
- Wow!
- Damn it!
- Wow!
- Can not be!
- Holy heaven!
In other words, karamba is an expression of a strong impression or deep feeling, for example, such as surprise, pain, inconvenience, anxiety, shyness, love and others. So, in case of indignation, the Spaniard can say: "Karamba!" In a similar context, this will mean: "What the hell is that!"
Etymology
The origin of the word "karamba" is not exactly established. Initially, it was supposed to be a euphemism for another Spanish word "carajo", which, being rude and obscene, is used very rarely and only in an informal setting. But after they began to investigate the origin of the word "karajo", it turned out that its roots go deep into the historical past.
Therefore, there are currently several studies on its origin. Most sources claim that the word "karamba" has Arabic roots.
Use in films and cartoons
The word "karamba" has become popular throughout the world, as characters in many films and cartoons often use it. For example, in a picture of the Disney movie studio called Three Knights, one hero shouts to another: Ay, Karamba. But when another knight asks him what this means, he does not know what to answer him.
Another example: Bart Simpson, one of the main characters in the American cartoon The Simpsons, made this word popular that he uses when he wants to express positive emotions of surprise or when it comes to the female gender. However, Bart also uses this phrase as a kind of negative exclamation, for example, in one of the episodes when he, Lisa and Selma walk along the street and approach a huge line, Bart says: “Ay, karamba!”. This is clear even to the Russian-speaking audience. There is a feeling of disappointment in such an exclamation.