Uh
/Κ/noun
A hesitation sound used to signal uncertainty, pause, or mild hesitation.
Did you know?Unlike words built from ancient roots, βuhβ is a natural interjection, a human vocal pause that developed in speech without a traceable classical etymology.
Etymological Timeline
Modern English
English
uh
βA hesitation sound used to hold the floor or signal uncertainty.β
Early Modern English
English
uh / uh-huh-like pauses
βSpontaneous vocal fillers and attention-getting sounds in conversation.β
Old English
English
interjectional vocalizations
βNon-lexical sounds used in exclamation, grief, surprise, or hesitation.β
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
β
βNo reconstructable inherited root; this is a natural interjection rather than a word with a documented descent.β