uh-huh
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English
[edit]Alternative forms
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Imitativeof non-verbal sounds used to indicate agreement or to allow the speaker to continue talking. Compare synonymousmhm.
Pronunciation
[edit]- IPA(key):[ʌ˨ˈɦʌ˩˧]
- Both vowels may benasalized;the [ɦ] may be a regular [h]; the pitch may show some variability; and occasionally, the first syllable may be stressed.
Audio(Canada): (file) Audio(US): (file)
Particle
[edit]Usage notes
[edit]- "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 signifysarcasticagreement.
Synonyms
[edit]Antonyms
[edit]Translations
[edit]expressing agreement or affirmation
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References
[edit]- John A. SimpsonandEdmund S. C. Weiner,editors (1989), “uh-huh”, inThe 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