It's important to note that "oy vey" is not necessarily a negative expression. While it does express distress, it's often used in a humorous or lighthearted way, especially amongst Jewish communities.
Here's a breakdown of the word:
* Oy: This is a word of lament or distress, similar to "Oh" in English.
* Vey: This word means "woe" or "trouble".
So, "oy vey" literally translates to "Oh woe," but it's commonly used to express a wide range of emotions, from genuine sadness to playful annoyance.