What Is the Meaning of Yar?
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.
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Nautical Roots
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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
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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.
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Ukraine and Russia
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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
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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
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"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."
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Pirat image by Volker Schwere from Fotolia.com
