Ouch

An interjection used to express sudden pain or distress, often resulting from physical injury, emotional hurt, or unexpected unpleasantness. It can vary in intensity, ranging from a slight expression of discomfort to a loud cry of agony. It can also serve as a form of communication, signaling the speaker's experience to others. Further, 'ouch' can be used to highlight a stinging remark made in response to an action or comment that offends the speaker or causes emotional discomfort. In a more light-hearted context, it can be used sarcastically.

Ouch meaning with examples

• He slammed his finger in the drawer, and a sharp 'ouch' escaped his lips as he clutched his injured digit. The pain was immediate and intense, prompting him to jump back and assess the damage. He winced and gently rubbed the sore area to try and alleviate the throbbing sensation.
• Stepping on a stray Lego brick barefoot caused a yelp of 'ouch' from Sarah. She hopped around, holding her foot and grimacing at the unexpected and sharp pain. The miniature construction toy had truly done its damage, leaving her momentarily incapacitated and vowing to never leave Legos on the floor again.
• After her clumsy friend accidentally bumped into her at the party and spilled a drink down her back, she exclaimed, 'Ouch! That's cold!' Her face contorted into a look of surprise and discomfort, as she dabbed at her dress in an effort to quickly fix the sudden spill that was the fault of her companion.
• When told about her disastrous test results, she responded with a sarcastic 'ouch' before stating 'well, there's no fixing that now,' she sighed in exasperation, realizing that she had not studied enough and must accept that she must retake the exam after the current semester is over.