Kaugh
/kɔː/noun
An exclamation generally used to express disgust or disdain.
Did you know?The word 'kaugh' is thought to echo the sounds of retching, linking it to ancient beliefs in the power of vocal expressions to ward off evil spirits.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʰeug-
“to cry out or to call”
Old English
Old English
cūgan
“to bend or bow, often in disgust”
Middle English
Middle English
coughen
“to expel air from the lungs, often with a harsh sound”
Modern English
English
cough
“the act of expelling air from the lungs suddenly and noisily, often reflecting a negative reaction.”