The meaning of the word "okstis" - "be careful"

Appeal to the higher powers, when a person is oppressed, frightened or surprised, is understandable. People stubbornly hold on to the buttons, spit through the left shoulder (often symbolically) or knock on the tree. Believers also impose the cross on themselves . The meaning of the word "okstis" for many contemporaries is a mystery. But this is simply the imperative form of the ancient verb, meaning the call for caution in words and actions. Literally means "think, my friend, if you have strong emotions."

And to think?

This word is used in different situations. For example, if your interlocutor expresses too bold ideas, bordering on insanity, and even going to implement them, it is perfectly permissible to say "Okštis" emotionally.

The meaning of the word in this case is "think again over your words or actions." This use of the word in Russian is the most frequent.

Where is the tree to knock?

Superstitious people understand the meaning of the word "okstis" more practically. If someone in their presence has expressed a reckless hope of success, they may require the interlocutor to perform a small ritual equivalent of beating trees. Although I must say that in this sense the word occurs infrequently, it usually happens in the countryside, where this formulation is specifically adopted.

From bright words to blasphemy

Most often in the city the word is used by people who are far from religion and God. It is more a sign of a person of an intellectual profession, and more often than not an unbeliever.

For a religious intellectual, the use of such a phrase is abnormal and can even be considered blasphemy, if not blasphemy, in some contexts. After all, the meaning of the word "okstis" is precisely the call to cross. A call, expressed in a slightly scornful, simplified form and on a minor matter. This is the very "use of the Lord's name in vain", about which we are warned by the commandments.

Word Paradox

And yet, in a literary speech, this colloquial wording should not be used. And in general, be careful, you can produce not the best impression of a self-taught clown. This word is appropriate only in informal oral speech to those who want to warn their interlocutor about ... blasphemy and blasphemy. That is, if your counterpart has clearly said something on the verge, a person who clearly understands the meaning of the word "okstis" a person may well call on the interlocutor to be cautious in wording.

A matter of taste

To speak or not to speak? My advice as a linguist is not to say.

Of course, this is a matter of your personal taste, but still the use of such common, purposely "lowered" in style words makes your image more primitive. And to some extent, "cheaper" the overall impression. In addition, inappropriate use of it will show you as a half-educated, discovering a new bright word. What does it mean to "get on"? The most capacious definition is "be careful."

I advise you not to forget that every word has an effect on you. It's like a computer program. If you create a "curve" design, then the implementation will be so-so. So watch your speech and do not let yourself get carried away by the external brightness.