argh

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English[edit]

Etymology 1[edit]

In imitation of a cry. Used since at least the 18th century.[1]

Pronunciation[edit]

  • IPA(key): /ɑɹː/, /ɑɹɡ/, [ɑɹɣ], [ɑɣː]
  • Audio (CA)(file)
  • Rhymes: -ɑː(ɹ)ɡ

Interjection[edit]

argh

  1. (onomatopoeia) Expressing annoyance, dismay, embarrassment or frustration.
    Argh! Itʼs already 7:15! Weʼre never gonna make it!
Usage notes[edit]

Any of the letters may be reduplicated, e.g. Arrggh!, Aaaarrrggghhh!

Translations[edit]

See also[edit]

Etymology 2[edit]

From Middle English argh, from Old English earg (“inert; weak; timid; cowardly”), from Proto-West Germanic *arg, from Proto-Germanic *argaz. Cognate with Scots ergh, argh, arch, erf (“timid; reluctant; unwilling”). Doublet of eerie.

Adjective[edit]

argh (comparative more argh, superlative most argh)

  1. (dialectal, Northern England, Scotland) timid; cowardly

References[edit]

  1. ^ Christine A. Lindberg, editor (2002), “argh”, in The Oxford College Dictionary, 2nd edition, New York, N.Y.: Spark Publishing, →ISBN, page 1.

Middle English[edit]

Alternative forms[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Inherited from Old English earg, from Proto-West Germanic *arg, from Proto-Germanic *argaz. eri is a dialectal variant of the same word.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • IPA(key): /arx/, /ˈarɛu̯/, /ˈarɔu̯/

Adjective[edit]

argh

  1. afraid, scared, courageless
  2. scared, fearful, worried
  3. base, wretched, lowly; worthy of contempt or ostracism.
  4. slothful, unwilling, tired; lacking in energy or motivation.
  5. Lacking in power or strength.

Related terms[edit]

Descendants[edit]

  • English: argh (dialectal)
  • Scots: argh, ergh, erfe, erf

References[edit]

Adverb[edit]

argh

  1. amazedly; with a feeling of wonder.

References[edit]

Portuguese[edit]

Interjection[edit]

argh

  1. (onomatopoeia) argh (expression of annoyance)
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