The appeal to higher powers when a person is oppressed, afraid or surprised is understandable. People stubbornly hold on to buttons, spit over their left shoulder (often symbolically), or knock on a tree. Believers impose a sign of the cross on themselves . The meaning of the word “ostsya” is a mystery to many contemporaries. But this is just an imperative form of an ancient verb, meaning a call for caution in words and actions. Literally means "think, my friend, if you experience strong emotions."
And think about it?
This word is used in different situations. For example, if your interlocutor expresses too bold ideas, bordering on insanity, and even intends to implement them, it would be perfectly acceptable to emotionally say “Surround”.
The meaning of the word in this case is “think again about your words or actions”. This use of the word in Russian is the most common.
Where is the tree to knock?
Superstitious people understand the meaning of the word “oxt” more practically. If someone in their presence expressed an unwary hope for success, they may require the interlocutor to perform a small ritual equivalent of beating the trees. Although it must be said that in this sense the word is infrequent, this usually happens in rural areas where this wording is specifically adopted.
From a bright word to blasphemy
Most often in the city people use the word, far from religion and God. It is rather a sign of a person of an intellectual profession, and most often 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 “Ocst” is precisely a call to cross. An appeal expressed in a slightly dismissive, simplified form and for a minor reason. This is the very “use of the name of the Lord in vain,” about which the commandments warn us.
The paradox of the word
Nevertheless, it is not worthwhile to use this colloquial formulation in literary speech. And in general, be careful, you may not make the best impression of a self-taught clown. This word is only relevant in informal spoken language to those who want to warn their interlocutor about ... blasphemy and blasphemy.
That is, if your vis-a-vis clearly said something on the verge, a person who clearly understands the meaning of the word “ostsyat” may well call his interlocutor to caution in the wording.
A matter of taste
To speak or not to speak? My advice as a linguist is not to speak.
Of course, this is a matter of your personal taste, but nevertheless, the use of such colloquial, deliberately "reduced" in style words makes your image more primitive. And to some extent, “cheapens” the overall impression. In addition, its inappropriate use will show you as a dropout who discovered a new bright word. What does it mean to be ok? The most capacious definition is "be careful."
I advise you not to forget that every word affects you. It is like a computer program. If you create a “curve” design, then the implementation will be so-so. Therefore, follow the speech and do not let yourself get carried away by external brightness.