uh-uh
English
Alternative forms
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): [ˈ(ʔ)ʌ̃˧.ʔʌ̃˩]
Audio (US): (file) - There is a glottal stop separating the two syllables. The second syllable has a lower tone. Both syllables are nasalized.
Etymology
Likely imitative of non-verbal sounds used to indicate disagreement or discomfort. Compare nope, wherein the -p may represent closure often uttered at the end of the word no.[1] Compare also um used to indicate hesitation. Attested from 1888.[2]
Interjection
Antonyms
References
- ^ Lua error in Module:languages/errorGetBy at line 16: Please specify a language or etymology language code in the parameter "1"; the value "2009" is not valid (see Wiktionary:List of languages).
- ^ “uh-uh”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.