uh-huh
From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Alternative forms
Etymology
Imitative of non-verbal sounds used to indicate agreement or to allow the speaker to continue talking. Compare synonymous mhm.
Pronunciation
Particle
- Yes; yeah.
- 1914, Sinclair Lewis, Our Mr. Wrenn:
- "So? Lived there long?" "Uh-huh, I--" began Mr. Wrenn.
Usage notes
- "Uh-huh" can be used informally as an answer to a question.
- "Uh-huh" can be used to show disinterest or disbelief in answer to a statement in lieu of other similar statements such as "Whatever".
- "Uh-huh" is often said while someone else is talking, in order to show that the listener is still interested or agrees with what the speaker is saying (backchannelling).
- "Uh-huh" can serve as an informal reply to thanks or an expression of gratitude.
- "Uh-huh", in an elongated form, can be used to signify sarcastic agreement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Derived terms
Translations
expressing agreement or affirmation
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Further reading
- John A. Simpson and Edmund S. C. Weiner, editors (1989), “uh-huh”, in The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd edition, Oxford: Clarendon Press, →ISBN.
- Rod Gardner (2001) When Listeners Talk
- John Algeo (2009) The Origins and Development of the English Language
Anagrams
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