argh

English

Etymology 1

In imitation of a cry. Used since at least the 18th century.[1]

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ɑɹː/, /ɑɹɡ/ growled /ɹ/ (♪: ╰— )
  • Audio (CA)(file)

Interjection

argh

  1. (onomatopoeia) Expressing annoyance, dismay, embarrassment or frustration.
    Argh! Itʼs already 7:15! Weʼre never gonna make it!
Translations

Usage notes

Any of the letters may be reduplicated, e.g. Arrggh!, Aaaarrrggghhh!

See also

Etymology 2

From Middle English argh, from Old English earg (“inert; weak; timid; cowardly”). Cognate with Scots ergh, argh, arch, erf (“timid; reluctant; unwilling”). More at eerie.

Adjective

argh (comparative more argh, superlative most argh)

  1. (dialectal, Northern England, Scotland) timid; cowardly

References
  1. “argh” in Christine A. Lindberg, editor, The Oxford College Dictionary, 2nd edition, New York, N.Y.: Spark Publishing, 2002, →ISBN, page 1.

Middle English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Old English earg, from Proto-Germanic *argaz.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /arx/, /ˈarɛu̯/, /ˈarɔu̯/

Adjective

argh

  1. afraid, scared, courageless
  2. scared, fearful, worried
  3. base, wretched, lowly; worthy of contempt or ostracism.
  4. slothful, unwilling, tired; lacking in energy or motivation.
  5. Lacking in power or strength.

Descendants

References

Adverb

argh

  1. amazedly; with a feeling of wonder.

References

Portuguese

Interjection

argh

  1. (onomatopoeia) argh (expression of annoyance)
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