Wowzers

Part of speech: interjection

Pronunciation: /ˈwaʊ̯.zɚz/

Definitions

1. A colloquial exclamation used to express surprise or amazement that conveys an enthusiastic reaction to an impressive or astonishing situation
2. An informal term signifying an intense reaction of astonishment that can indicate excitement or admiration in response to something remarkable
3. A playful interjection reflecting a strong emotional response of wonder or disbelief, often used in informal conversations to highlight unexpected experiences

Etymology: "Wowzers" is an informal exclamation built on "wow," the older interjection of surprise, with a playful "-ers" ending added. English speakers often attach this kind of ending to short exclamations to make them more lively and emphatic, so the word sounds like an excited, slightly comic amplification of "wow." The added syllable also makes it easy to stretch out in speech. The exact point at which "wowzers" entered the language is uncertain, and it is likely a colloquial coinage that was used in speech before it appeared in print. Its informal character is part of its history: it belongs to casual, enthusiastic talk rather than formal writing, which is why it has remained a spoken exclamation that people use for impressive or astonishing things.

Synonyms: wow, amazing