Uh oh Meaning and Definition

Uh oh

Uh oh

Pronunciation

/uˈhoʊ/

Part of Speech

Noun, Interjection

Definition

A sudden realization of a problem or unexpected event, often accompanied by a feeling of alarm or surprise.

Examples

  • The employee’s sudden departure from the meeting was followed by an “Uh oh” from the team leader.
  • The driver’s tire blowout on the highway led to an “Uh oh” as they swerved to avoid another vehicle.

Synonyms

  • Oh no
  • Oh dear
  • Oh dear lord

Antonyms

  • Phew
  • Okay
  • Alright then

Etymology

The origin of the phrase “Uh oh” is unclear, but it is believed to have evolved from a combination of surprise and alarm.

Usage Notes

The phrase “Uh oh” is often used in informal settings, such as conversations with friends or family.

Cultural References

The phrase has been featured in various forms of media, including films, TV shows, and memes.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Uh oh” is often used in idiomatic expressions such as “Uh oh, it looks like…”, “Uh oh, I think…”, or “Uh oh, what’s happening?”

Related Words or Phrases

The phrase “Uh oh” is often related to other words or phrases that convey a sense of surprise or alarm, such as “Surprise” or “Oh no”.

Collocations

“Uh oh” is often collocated with words that convey a sense of panic or urgency, such as “Oh no”, “Oh dear”, or “Oh dear lord”.

Frequency of Use

The phrase “Uh oh” is relatively common in informal contexts, but its frequency of use can vary depending on the cultural and regional context.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of “Uh oh” include “UH OH”, “UhOh”, or “uho”.

Related Words