Who here uses the phrase "uff-da"?

[Martok]

Never heard of the expression Martok. Do you know the origin of the phrase?

Not really, other than that it originated in Norway and was brought to the Upper Midwest by immigrants. I've not been able to find much material on its etymology (although to be fair, it's not like I've done extensive research either).

My best guess is that it started out as a simple interjection, and then somehow spread -- in terms of both geographical use and definition. The "how" eludes me, though, and I dare not speculate any further than that.

Ugh like a watered down canadian

I'm trying to work out which group you're insulting here.... [confused look]

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Funny stuff, can't get a proper dictionary translation to Norweigian from the Swedish "Usch då".

And I would never seen the connection without being given it. It's changed quite a bit even if it's recognicable.

It's not that commonly used here. Mostly used as simply Usch and is generally equal to displaying minor displeasure. But then we got ojdå, äsch då, ajdå, so we got plenty of simular expressions.

Edit: amai= oh my correct?

Yeah, I've heard the phrase has a slightly different meaning/connotation over in Scandinavia. I wasn't aware there was a Swedish equivalent, though (although I probably shouldn't be surprised)! Is it pretty much the same word, then (different spelling & pronunciation aside)?

So that's basically the Minnesotan equivalent of 'dude'?

Ajax

Sort of. It's actually closer to the Yiddish expression "oy vey", although I suspect "uff-da" tends to be used in a slightly more light-hearted manner/context. Still, the two phrases are quite similar, at least as they're used here in the U.S. -- as I said, I believe uff-da has a slightly different meaning & usage over in Norway itself.