Among a long list of stereotypes about Greece, three letters seem to have the most permanent impact on any American eating at a Greek restaurant:
Opa!
The word itself is an exclamation meaning “up” or “upwards”, said at times of physical or emotional excitement by the Greeks.
Written as “ΩΠΑ” in all Greek capitals, this three letter word is never used in the Greek mainland while serving flambeed hard cheese smothered with lemon juice – unlike what happens at the Greek restaurants in America.
The word “opa!” has become an overnight success, as a song by the same name has taken Greece to the Eurovision 2010 song competition finals.
Featuring Greek singer Giorgos Alkaios – who resembles a modern king Leonidas – and a custody of men in black or white, loose-fitting traditional pants and shirts, the song has taken the fans of Eurovision 2010 by storm, due to its delivery of excitement through the repeated use of “Opa!” and assorted dance moves, a catchy beat and clever use of ancient Greek instruments.
Part of the Opa! song lyrics say: “I burnt my past, and through the fire I start over again, I will change everything, all is forgotten – yelling it out loud: Opa!“
Regardless of its subsequent success at the Eurovision 2010 competition finals, “Opa!” has now become a symbol of national pride for the Greeks, who have recently witnessed both political and financial oppression from local and foreign entities as a violation of their personality, charisma and laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.
“To me, Opa! signifies an attitude of carelessness, a direct dispute of the oppressive reality”, says Nick Papopoulos, store owner in Plaka, Athens. “When the shit hits the fan, I bring out a bottle of ouzo and some meze, crank the music up and I dance with my friends. Opa!”, he adds, throwing both fists in the air.
The Greek Tourism Organization is now seriously considering using “Opa Greece!” as the motto for the breakthrough campaign that will bring back to the cash-strapped country thousands of tourists that canceled their trip during several recent weeks of rioting and social unrest in the city of Athens.
“Opa Greece!” could definitely use the three letter domain, OPA.com – which is the closest phonetic equivalent to “ΩΠΑ” – an omicron instead of omega won’t make much of a difference, as all Greek tourist campaigns are done primarily in English.
Good luck to Greece at the Eurovision 2010 finals and remember: when you feel down, stressed out from life, get some ouzo and some meze (appetizers) – then throw both your fists in the air yelling, “Opa!”
You will feel so much better afterwards.
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I love the song, very catchy. Opa! 😀
Now thats what Ive been saying bring in the positive and DANCE FOR GREECE Χορός για την Ελλάδα
If anyone here hasn’t been to a greek festival, get to one! I could sit and watch the dancing for hours, while eating souvlaki and gyros!
can somebody write the phonetics lyrics of this song cos I love it..
FX – the song lyrics translated into English?