ah so

English

Etymology

From Japanese ああ、そう (ā, sō, “I see”).

Interjection

ah so

1. (now offensive) Stereotypical utterance of wise understanding by a Japanese or Chinese person.
   • 1988, Spike Milligan, Jack Hobbs, William McGonagall Meets George Gershwin: A Scottish Fantasy:

     'Ah so,' said a Japanese passenger.
     'Ah so to you,' said a rough sailor.
     'Ach, a wee Japannee,' said McGonagall, and went into a series of Buckingham Palace photographic poses.

   • 1998, Robert W. Bliss, A. N. G. E. L. S., Inc., page 91:

     “One other thing,” Jack said, “let's not play here, at the Tropicana.”
     “Ah, so,” Harry said with a Chinese accent. “The wise fox doth not despoil its own nest.”

See also

• Ah-So: US brand of Asian sauces and marinades

References

• Oxford English Dictionary

Anagrams

• AHOs, HOA's, HOAs, OSHA, Saho, Shao, SoHa, osha