• ccunning@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      The more I think about it the more I think it’s actually something I say, just not consciously. And I’m from the Mid-Atlantic; not the Midwest.

      Also found this article that hypothesizes a few origins including, yes, a shortening of “oops!”

    • medgremlin@midwest.socialOP
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      4 months ago

      No. It is very specifically pronounced “Ope”, like “hope” without the “h”, and it has it’s own distinct meaning.

      • ccunning@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        The thing I’ll say is closer to “‘up” And I use it more like “oh no! You caught me inconveniencing you. I’m so embarrassed 🫣”

        Definitely seems related though…

        • medgremlin@midwest.socialOP
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          4 months ago

          I’m a transplant to the Midwest, and I catch myself using it as a “get someone’s attention” noise sometimes.