phew

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Attested since the early 17th century. An onomatopoeia for rapid exhalation, as one may make when a trying situation is over, or in order to get rid of an unpleasant odour. Compare Scots feuch, Spanish fu, Czech fuj, and many more such forms.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /fjuː/, [ɸj̊u̥˥˩], /fɪu̯/
  • Rhymes: -uː
  • Audio (UK)(file)
  • Homophone: few

Interjection

phew

  1. Used to express relief of tension, fatigue, or surprise.
    Phew, that took a long time to cook!
  2. Used to show disgust.
    Phew, it stinks in here!

Synonyms

Translations

See also

Khasi

Etymology

From Proto-Khasian *pʰəw. Compare Pnar phaw, Lyngngam phu.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /pʰew/

Numeral

phew

  1. a ten (generally used in combination, such as shiphew)

References
  • Singh, U Nissor (1906) Khasi-English dictionary‎, Shillong: Eastern Bengal and Assam Secretariat Press, page 156. Searchable online at SEAlang.net.
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