Ecphonesis

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An ecphonesis (Greek: ἐκφώνησις) is an emotional, exclamatory phrase (exclamation) used in poetry, drama, or song. It is a rhetorical device that originated in ancient literature. The word itself is of Greek origin.

Examples:

• "O tempora! O mores!" ("Oh, the times! Oh, the morals!")
• "Young man!" from the song YMCA by the Village People

In the Eastern Orthodox Church an ecphonesis (ekphony) is a liturgical exclamation chanted aloud by a priest or deacon as part of a litany or at the end of a prayer. The ekphonesis is distinguished from the portions that are to be said silently.

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