Whee
/wiː/noun
An exclamation expressing excitement, delight, or exhilaration.
Did you know?Unlike words inherited from a traceable ancient root, “whee” is generally classified as an expressive, imitative interjection, making its history unusually resistant to precise lineage.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
English
whee
“An expressive exclamation of excitement or delight; earliest widespread attestations appear in the nineteenth century.”
19th Century
English
whee!
“A cry associated with joyful movement, thrilling amusement, or sudden exhilaration.”
Late 19th–Early 20th Century
English
whee
“A conventionalized interjection used in speech and writing to represent excited vocalization.”
20th Century
English
whee
“An informal exclamation especially associated with children, play, rides, and enthusiastic motion.”
Modern English
English
whee
“A lively cry expressing excitement, pleasure, or exhilaration.”