What does ew mean?
"Ew" is an informal interjection that expresses disgust, revulsion, or strong distaste. It is typically uttered spontaneously upon encountering something foul-smelling, dirty, slimy, or otherwise repulsive, as in "Ew, don't touch that!" Though remarkably short, it carries considerable expressive force and is often stretched out in speech ("ewww") to intensify the reaction. The word belongs firmly to casual register: it thrives in everyday conversation, text messages, and social media, particularly among children and teenagers, but would rarely appear in formal writing. Its near-universality among English speakers makes it instantly recognizable, and its homophony with "ewe" (a female sheep) occasionally produces wordplay. For learners of English, "ew" offers a quick, natural way to voice displeasure without resorting to stronger language.
interjectionAn exclamation used to express disgust, revulsion, or strong distaste at something unpleasant.
- An exclamation of disgust or revulsion at something unpleasant or unclean.
"Ew, there's something slimy in the bottom of the sink!"
"Ew, this milk has gone completely off — don't drink it!"
"She peeked into the forgotten lunchbox and went, "Ew!""
"Ew" is so short it's just two letters — yet it may be one of the most universally understood expressions of disgust in English, and it sounds exactly like "ewe," a female sheep.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ew
"Ew" emerged in American English during the twentieth century as a spontaneous vocalization of disgust, likely imitating the natural retching or recoil sound people make when confronted with something unpleasant. It spread rapidly through spoken language and later through television, film, and internet culture. It is an interjection rather than a word descended from older roots, so it has no cognates or etymological relatives.
How ew is actually used
Highly informal and conversational; common in speech and casual writing but avoided in formal prose. Often elongated in speech ("ewww") for emphasis. Especially frequent in the speech of children and teenagers.
Easily confused with ew
"Ewe" (pronounced identically) is a noun meaning a female sheep, while "ew" is an interjection of disgust.