Aww

Part of speech: interjection

Definitions

1. An exclamation expressing affection, endearment, or sympathy often used when reacting to something cute or touching
2. A vocalization indicating tender emotions or heartfelt response typically aimed at something adorable or emotionally moving
3. An utterance made to convey warmth, compassion, or delight, commonly in response to charming or sweet stimuli

Etymology: "Aww" is an elongated form of "aw," and both are natural exclamations, sounds people make without any grammar behind them. That is the whole of the documented history, so the story here is one of sound rather than of borrowing. The vowel is stretched out to signal sympathy or delight, the way a listener's throat and mouth produce a soft, drawn-out noise on seeing something tender. The word's power comes from how it works in speech. Its length carries the emotion: a short "aw" can sound dismissive, while a long "aww" communicates warmth at a puppy or a baby's gesture. Because it is a cry rather than a word built from parts, it has no roots to trace, and its meaning is conveyed by the way it is pronounced.

Synonyms: aww, aw