yow

Sudden hurt exclamation

Yow is an exclamation of pain, surprise, or alarm—sharper and more visceral than "ow" or "ouch": Yow! That's hot!

It can also express excitement or enthusiasm, similar to "wow" but with more energy: Yow, what a game!

exclamation

wow

Cry of amazement

whoaCommand to stop
ouchPain interjection
owPain exclamation

yikes · gosh · gee · crikey · blimey · golly · yelp · outcry · ejaculation · interjection

pain

ouch

Pain interjection

owPain exclamation
stingSharp wound from insect
winceReflexive recoil from distress

flinch · grimace · yelp · throb · jolt · prick · stab · burn · smart · twinge

surprise

startle

Frighten suddenly

shockViolent sudden disturbance
joltAbrupt forceful shake
astonishmentIntense sudden wonder

disbelief · alarm · gasp · fright · scare · amazement · bewilderment · stunned · double-take · jump

Categories

pain soundsouch, ow, oww, owie, owwie

Opposites

emotional intensity of response

Total lack of sound

hmm · meh · oh · huh · shrug

valence of stimulus

yowahh

Vocalized satisfaction

mmm · phew · aah · sigh of relief · ooh

emotional intensity of vocalization

Total lack of sound

hush · sigh · murmur · hmm · meh

Family

yowl, yowling, yowls, yowled, yowler

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G