Ha
/hɑː/noun
An exclamation used to express surprise, triumph, derision, or laughter.
Did you know?The exact origin of English ha is uncertain, but exclamations like it are found across languages as natural vocal outbursts, showing how human emotion can become a word without needing a “real” root.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
hā
“an exclamation of surprise or derision”
Middle English
ME
ha
“an exclamation expressing laughter, triumph, or scorn”
Early Modern English
English
ha
“a spoken cry of laughter, surprise, or mockery”
Modern English
English
ha
“an exclamation used to express amusement, triumph, or contempt”