How Do You Spell OUCH?

Pronunciation: [ˈa͡ʊt͡ʃ] (IPA)

The word "ouch" is commonly used to express pain or discomfort. Its spelling may seem straightforward, but the pronunciation of each letter can be a bit tricky. In IPA phonetic transcription, "ouch" is spelled as /aʊtʃ/. The "ou" in "ouch" is pronounced as the diphthong /aʊ/ which makes the sound of "ow" (like in "cow"). The "ch" at the end of the word is pronounced as a fricative /tʃ/ (like in "chicken"), which gives the word its final sharpness.

OUCH Meaning and Definition

  1. Ouch is an interjection that is primarily used to express sudden pain or discomfort. This word is often uttered spontaneously to convey the sensation experienced when one has been hurt physically or mentally. It is a brief and informal exclamation that can be seen as a reflexive response to pain.

    The term "ouch" is commonly recognized as a universal sound made when someone is hurt, and it transcends language barriers due to its simplicity and directness. It is often used in situations such as accidentally bumping into something, stubbing a toe, or getting a small injury. The word is typically uttered with a sharp or strained tone to signify the intensity of the pain.

    "Ouch" can also be used figuratively to express emotional or psychological discomfort when someone feels hurt or offended by someone else's actions or words. In this context, it conveys a sense of surprise and unpleasantness.

    This term is widely employed in informal and casual conversations and is commonly understood across various cultures and age groups. It serves as a reflexive response and a form of verbal communication to express immediate distress from pain or distressing situations. Overall, "ouch" is a simple yet effective exclamation that effectively conveys the sensation of sudden pain or discomfort.

  2. The collet or socket in which a precious stone or a seal is set.

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

Top Common Misspellings for OUCH *

* 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 OUCH

Etymology of OUCH

The exact etymology of the word "ouch" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the Dutch expression "autsch" or "auw", pronounced similarly to the English pronunciation of "ouch". This connection to Dutch is probable due to the historical linguistic influences between English and Dutch, as well as the proximity of the Netherlands to England. "Ouch" has been used in English since the 17th century to express sudden pain or a minor injury, and its usage has remained relatively consistent over time. However, it is important to note that the precise origin of "ouch" cannot be definitively traced back beyond its association with Dutch expressions for pain.

Similar spelling words for OUCH

Plural form of OUCH is OUCHES

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: