uh-oh

IPA/ˈʌ əʊ/
KK[ˈʌˌo]IPA/ˈʌ əʊ/

uh-oh — exclamation

1. something you say when you suddenly realize you just did something you should no

1.exclamationA1
Definition

something you say when you suddenly realize you just did something you should not have, or when you notice trouble starting to appear

Example

Quan said, 'Uh-oh!' when he dropped his bowl of rice on the floor.

used when realizing a small accident

Ritu looked at her phone and said, 'Uh-oh — I missed the bus.'

Synonyms
  • oops

    lighter in tone — used for tiny mistakes like a typing error, not for sudden trouble or danger

Usage Note

Often written with a hyphen. The tone can range from a quiet mutter (when the problem is small) to a loud shout (when danger is sudden).

Synonym discussion

Sense: exclamation/1

All three express a reaction to a problem, but they differ in tone and severity. 'Uh-oh' is the most neutral — it works for anything from a spilled drink to a sudden danger. 'Oops' is lighter and suggests a very small, often funny mistake (e.g. typing the wrong key). 'Whoops' is similar but sounds slightly more playful or childlike. 'Oh no' carries disappointment or worry, usually for something more serious than 'uh-oh' would cover. For example: 'Uh-oh, I forgot to buy eggs' sounds matter-of-fact, while 'Oh no, I forgot to buy eggs' sounds upset.

oops ↗oh nowhoops ↗

Etymology

English (onomatopoeic)

An onomatopoeic expression formed by combining the hesitation sound 'uh' with the realization sound 'oh'. It imitates the natural change in a person's voice as they notice that something is wrong. First recorded in English in the early 1900s.