Aargh

Part of speech: interjection

Definitions

1. An exclamation used to express frustration, annoyance, or dismay in response to an unwelcome situation
2. A vocal expression conveying irritation or distress when encountering trouble or inconvenience
3. A sound uttered to communicate emotional upset or exasperation due to a problematic or unpleasant event

Etymology: "Aargh" is an imitative cry, a sound made to sound like frustration rather than a word built from parts. The spelling "argh" is the more common form, and its vowel and throat-clearing sound were meant to mimic a groan or yelp, a sort of vocal shrug. The surprising twist is that the sound is tied to an old adjective. "Argh" can be traced back through Middle English to Old English "earg," which meant "inert, weak, timid, or cowardly." Scots kept a close relative, "ergh" or "arch," meaning timid or reluctant. Historically, then, the exclamation came from a word describing someone unwilling to act, which fits neatly with a sound of exasperation over things one would rather not face. Linguists also note that the adjective is a doublet of "eerie," meaning the two words share a common ancestor but took different paths into English. "Argh" has been recorded in use since at least the 18th century, and it may be a lengthened form of "ah."

Synonyms: argh, ugh, ughgh, agh, oh no