How Do You Spell OH?

Pronunciation: [ˈə͡ʊ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "oh" can seem confusing at first glance, but it can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The sound of "oh" is represented by the phoneme /oʊ/, which is a diphthong composed of the vowel sounds "o" and "ʊ". The spelling "oh" is a common way to represent this sound, as in "Oh, I see!" However, this sound can also be represented by other spellings, such as "owe" or "o". Despite its various spellings, the phoneme /oʊ/ remains consistent in its pronunciation.

OH Meaning and Definition

  1. Oh is an interjection primarily used to express strong emotions such as surprise, wonder, realization, or sudden understanding. It serves as an exclamation or an emotional response to something unexpected or striking. This short, single-syllable word carries a diverse range of meanings and connotations depending on the context in which it is used.

    When expressing surprise or astonishment, "oh" is often accompanied by widened eyes, open mouth, or a raised tone of voice. It signifies a sudden realization or comprehension of an unexpected fact or event. It can also convey a sense of awe, admiration, or wonder.

    "Oh" is frequently used as a filler word, employed in casual conversations to signal to the listener that the speaker is pausing momentarily to gather their thoughts or consider their response. In this sense, it acts as a placeholder and, therefore, doesn't carry a specific meaning.

    Furthermore, "oh" can also function as an interrogative statement, seeking clarification or further information. Its tone and intonation help convey the intended meaning and whether it is a genuine inquiry or a rhetorical question.

    Overall, "oh" is a versatile interjection that embodies a multitude of emotions and serves various grammatical functions in conversation, making it a fundamental part of informal communication.

  2. An exclamation expressive of pain, sorrow, surprise, or dissent.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for OH *

  • ohh 73.9583333%
  • og 1.0416666%
  • ih 1.0416666%
  • ph 0.6944444%
  • ohe 0.6944444%
  • owh 0.6944444%
  • foh 0.3472222%
  • ow 0.3472222%
  • woh 0.3472222%
  • ohn 0.3472222%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for OH

Etymology of OH

The word "oh" is an interjection or an exclamation used to express surprise, wonder, agreement, or various other emotions. Its etymology is believed to have evolved from the Old English word "ō", which had a similar purpose and meaning. This Old English word can be traced back to several Germanic languages, including Middle Dutch "o", Old High German "ō", and Old Norse "o". The Germanic languages, in turn, have their roots in the Proto-Germanic language and ultimately in the Proto-Indo-European language. Here, "oh" is believed to have descended from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂e, which expresses awe, surprise, or fear.

Idioms with the word OH

  • oh yes The idiom "oh yes" is an expression used to emphasize agreement or affirmation. It is often used to convey enthusiasm or confidence in agreement with a statement or proposal.
  • oh, sure (sm or sth will) The idiom "oh, sure (sm or sth will)" is an expression used to convey skepticism or disbelief regarding a certain outcome or promise. It implies that the speaker is not convinced or has doubts about the possibility of the mentioned event or action taking place.
  • Oh, yeah? The idiom "Oh, yeah?" is used as a sarcastic or incredulous remark to question or express doubt about something that has been said or suggested. It often implies skepticism or disbelief and can be seen as a way of challenging or seeking further clarification.
  • boy oh boy The idiom "boy oh boy" is an expression used to convey excitement, surprise, or amazement. It is often used to emphasize something that is significant or impressive, or to express strong emotions or reactions.
  • Good Lord, at (oh) Lord The idiom "Good Lord, at (oh) Lord" is an exclamation used to express surprise, shock, or disbelief. It's often used when someone is astonished or overwhelmed by something unexpected or extraordinary. It essentially conveys a sense of being taken aback or amazed by a situation or event.
  • oh dark hundred The idiom "oh dark hundred" is a military slang that refers to a specific time in the early morning, typically before dawn or around 3:00 AM. It is used to convey a very early hour when it is still dark outside. The term is derived from the representation of time, replacing the numerical value with the colloquial term "oh" to emphasize the darkness and the early hour.
  • (oh) Lord The idiom "(oh) Lord" is used as an exclamation or interjection to express surprise, frustration, or disbelief. It is often used to show an overwhelming or intense emotion or reaction. It can also be used to seek assistance or guidance from a higher power.
  • oh yeah., at yeah, right! The idiom "oh yeah, right!" is a sarcastic expression used to show disbelief or skepticism towards something that has been said. It implies that the speaker thinks the statement is highly unlikely or implausible.
  • Oh, ye of little faith. The idiom "Oh, ye of little faith" is a biblical phrase that is used to express disappointment or criticism towards someone who lacks belief, confidence, or trust in someone or something. It implies that the person's doubt or skepticism is unfounded or unwarranted.
  • (oh my) God! The idiom "(oh my) God!" is an exclamation expressing surprise, shock, or disbelief. It is commonly used to convey intense emotions, amazement, or astonishment.
  • Oh, boy The idiom "Oh, boy" is typically used to express surprise, exasperation, or disappointment. It can convey a range of emotions, from excitement and astonishment to frustration or resignation.
  • oh my goodness gracious The idiom "oh my goodness gracious" is an exclamation used to express surprise, astonishment, or disbelief. It is a slightly exaggerated and euphemistic way of conveying strong emotions or shock.
  • oh my days "Oh my days" is a colloquial British English expression that conveys surprise, shock, or astonishment. It is often used to emphasize or exaggerate one's reaction to something unexpected or extraordinary.
  • oh dark thirty The idiom "oh dark thirty" is a colloquial expression used to refer to a very early time in the morning, typically before daylight or sunrise. It is often used humorously or exaggeratively to emphasize how early something is happening or how little sleep someone has had.
  • oh my fucking God The idiom "oh my fucking God" is an expression of extreme surprise, shock, or disbelief. It is often used to convey an intense emotional reaction to a startling or unexpected event or situation. The phrase typically indicates a sense of astonishment or incredulity. However, it is important to note that this idiom contains offensive language and should be used with caution in formal or polite contexts.
  • (dear,) oh dear The idiom "(dear,) oh dear" is typically used to express surprise, dismay, or concern. It is often used to convey a sense of sympathy or exasperation in response to a situation or event.
  • oh yeah, at oh yes
  • four-oh-four The idiom "four-oh-four" refers to the HTTP error code 404, which is displayed when a webpage or resource could not be found on a website. It is often used informally to indicate that something is missing or cannot be found.
  • (oh) (my) gosh! An exclamation used to express surprise, excitement, or incredulity.
  • like billy-oh The idiom "like billy-oh" is used to describe something that is done with great intensity, speed, or energy. It often implies that the activity is being done in a wild or frantic manner.
  • five-oh "Five-oh" is a slang term for the police or law enforcement, typically used when warning others about their presence or arrival.

Similar spelling words for OH

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: