Ugh
/ʌx/noun
An interjection expressing disgust, annoyance, boredom, or exasperation.
Did you know?Unlike many English words, “ugh” has no securely established ancestral root; scholars generally classify it as an expressive, imitative interjection shaped by human vocal reaction.
Etymological Timeline
17th Century
English
ugh
“An interjection expressing disgust, impatience, or aversion; documented in English writing by the late 1600s.”
18th Century
English
ugh
“Used increasingly in dialogue and informal writing to represent a groan or vocal expression of distaste.”
19th Century
English
ugh
“Established as a conventional written interjection in novels, journalism, and everyday speech.”
20th Century
English
ugh
“Expanded to express boredom, frustration, exhaustion, or emotional resistance, not only disgust.”
Modern English
English
ugh
“A widely recognized informal interjection conveying strong negative feeling, often intensified as “ughh” or “ughhh.””