phew

interjection

USFYOO/fjuː/

2 meanings of phew

1
interjection
An exclamation of relief after tension, or of tiredness or surprise.
Phew, we made it to the gate just before they closed the doors.
Phew, I thought I'd lost my wallet, but it was in my coat the whole time.
Similarwhew
2
interjection
Used to express disgust.
Phew, the locker room reeked after the game.
Phew, that cheese is far too ripe for me to eat.
Similarugh, yuck, pew, ew

Practice

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Origin

Recorded since the early 17th century, this is an onomatopoeia imitating a quick breath out: the sound you make when a hard situation is over or to blow away a bad smell. Similar forms appear in Scots (feuch), Spanish (fu), and Czech (fuj), among many others.