argh

English

Etymology 1

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

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɑɹː/, /ɑɹɡ/ growled /ɹ/ (♪: _╰— )

• Audio (CA)

  (file)

Interjection

argh

1. (onomatopoeia) Expressing annoyance, dismay, embarrassment or frustration.

   Argh! Itʼs already 7:15! Weʼre never gonna make it!

Translations

expression of annoyance

• Finnish: ääh (fi), äsh (fi), äh (fi)
• French: argh (fr) m
• German: ohh

• Japanese: うわー (uwā), ぎゃー (gyā)
• Persian: اَه‎ (fa) (áhh)
• Portuguese: argh
• Russian: ррр (rrr), ё (ru) (jo)

Usage notes

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

See also

• blech

Etymology 2

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

argh (comparative more argh, superlative most argh)

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

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Middle English

Alternative forms

• (Early ME) arȝe, arȝ, arowȝe, areȝ, earh
• arwe, arg, arghe, arewe

Etymology

From Old English earg, from Proto-West Germanic *arg, from Proto-Germanic *argaz.

Pronunciation

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

Adjective

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

• arghly
• arghnes
• arȝen, arghen

Descendants

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

References

• “argh (adj.)” in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007, retrieved 2018-05-23.

Adverb

argh

1. amazedly; with a feeling of wonder.

References

• “argh (adv.)” in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007, retrieved 2018-05-23.

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Portuguese

Interjection

argh

1. (onomatopoeia) argh (expression of annoyance)