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phew

interjection

  1. expressing relief
L18132 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /fjuː/ / [ɸj̊u̥˥˩] / /fɪu̯/

intj

Etymology: Attested since the early 17th century. An onomatopoeia for rapid exhalation, as one may make when a trying situation is over, or in order to get rid of an unpleasant odour. Compare Scots feuch, Spanish fu, Czech fuj, and many more such forms.

  1. Used to express relief of tension, fatigue, or surprise.

    Phew, that took a long time to cook!

  2. Used to show disgust.

    Phew, it stinks in here!