English Exclamations!

Some things we say aren’t really words, they are more like cries to show a reaction or emotion. Every language uses different exclamations, so, erm, without further delay, here are 10 used in GB English, and how to pronounce them:

1. er/erm/hmmm – thinking / hesitation.

/ɜː/ /ɜːm/ /hm/
A What would you like for dinner?
B Er, how about an Indian takeaway?

2. sh – quiet!

/ʃ/
A John, your mum’s on the phone!
B Sh! He’s asleep, tell her to call back later.

3. oh! – surprise, disappointment, anger, joy

/əʊ/ [ɒʊ] – Many GB English speakers now start in the /ɒ/ rather than /ə/ position.
A I’m sorry sir, all the seats are taken.
B Oh, right, I’ll come back tomorrow then.

4. tut/tsk – disapproval, annoyance

[ǀ] – The sound is a dental click, it doesn’t appear anywhere else in English.
A I won’t be able to pay you until next week.
B Tut, not again.

5. brr – cold

[ʙ] – The sound is a trill made with both lips.
Brrr, it’s freezing!

6. wow – delight, admiration

/waʊ/
A Look, a shooting star!
B Wow, it’s beautiful.

7. yuk – disgust

/jʌk/
A Here, try this – it’s marmite on toast.
B Yuk! How can anyone eat that?

8. haha – laughter

/hɑː hɑː/ – Often used sarcastically.
A Blimey! What’s wrong with you? I’ve seen more enthusiasm in a sedated donkey.
B Haha, I’m just a bit tired this morning and I need a coffee.