nuh-uh

IPA/ˈnʌˌʔʌ/
IPA/ˈnʌˌʔʌ/

nuh-uh — exclamation

1. a spoken sound written as 'nuh-uh' that people use to reject something, disagree

1.exclamationA2
Definition

a spoken sound written as 'nuh-uh' that people use to reject something, disagree at once, or refuse permission in a firm informal way.

Example

"Can I borrow your bike without asking?" "Nuh-uh, ask me first."

nuh-uh refusing a request and stopping it immediately

Takeshi folded his arms and said, "Nuh-uh, that was your turn to wash the pan."

nuh-uh disagreeing with someone's excuse

Common collocations
  • say nuh-uh
  • go nuh-uh
  • nuh-uh, no way
Synonyms
  • no

    the neutral equivalent; 'nuh-uh' sounds more playful, emotional, and informal

  • nah

    also informal, but usually softer and more relaxed than the firmer 'nuh-uh'

  • uh-uh

    a similar negative sound; 'nuh-uh' is often spelled out to sound more emphatic or childlike

Antonyms
  • uh-huh

    the matching spoken sound for agreement rather than refusal

  • yeah

    an informal positive reply instead of a refusal

Grammar Patterns

Nuh-uh.

"Nuh-uh," + clause

Usage Note

Usually said with a quick head shake or firm tone to show immediate disagreement, refusal, or disapproval. It appears mostly in speech, comics, and casual writing that records speech. It sounds more playful or childish than plain 'no', so avoid it in formal writing or serious professional situations.

Common Mistakes

The student wrote nuh-uh on the permission form.
The student said "nuh-uh" when the coach made an unfair demand.
'nuh-uh' imitates speech and is not used as a formal written answer.
I nuh-uh the idea.
I said "nuh-uh" to the idea.
use 'nuh-uh' as a spoken exclamation, not as a regular verb.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: exclamation/1

'Nuh-uh', 'no', 'nah', and 'uh-uh' can all reject something, but they do not sound the same. 'No' is the plain, neutral choice and works in speech, writing, school, and work. 'Nah' is casual and relaxed, often used with friends when the speaker is refusing without much emotion. 'Uh-uh' is a quick negative sound in conversation. 'Nuh-uh' is more expressive: it often sounds firmer, more playful, or more childlike, and it commonly appears in dialogue when someone wants to reject an idea at once. A parent might say 'Nuh-uh, put that back' to stop a child immediately, while 'No, please put that back' sounds calmer and more standard.

nuh-uh ↗no ↗nah ↗uh-uh ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • say nuh-uh
  • go nuh-uh
  • nuh-uh, no way

Etymology

English (imitative informal spelling)

A spelling that imitates an emphatic spoken form of 'no' in informal American English. It became common in dialogue, comics, and children's speech to show quick disagreement or refusal with extra attitude.