Pshaw

An interjection expressing mild impatience, contempt, disbelief, or dismissal. It is often used to downplay a perceived issue or statement, suggesting it is insignificant, foolish, or untrue. The tone can range from gently exasperated to outright dismissive. 'Pshaw' often signals that the speaker doesn't take the matter seriously or believes it's beneath their consideration. It can be a verbal shorthand to indicate that the speaker finds the subject either irritating, trivial or pretentious. The word typically carries a connotation of a superior or condescending attitude from the speaker. Though rarely used in formal speech it can show a degree of social awareness by the speaker. It can sometimes be used humorously to express mock disdain or feigned annoyance.

Pshaw meaning with examples

• The politician announced a tax cut. 'Pshaw,' Sarah scoffed, rolling her eyes. 'Another empty promise. They always say that and nothing ever happens.' Her friends laughed, recognizing the predictable pattern of political rhetoric and Sarah's weary skepticism toward such declarations.
• After tripping on the stairs, he brushed himself off and said, 'Pshaw, a minor stumble! I'm fine.' He didn't want to be seen as weak or clumsy, so he quickly dismissed the incident, maintaining a facade of composure and avoiding any show of actual injury.
• The salesman was exaggerating the benefits of the new product. 'Pshaw,' she muttered under her breath, disbelieving the hype. 'It's just a marketing ploy. I'm not buying into that nonsense,' she thought, acutely aware of his attempts to mislead her into buying the product.
• When he heard the rumour of the team's failure, he scoffed: 'Pshaw! After all the training and their past record, that is just an unrealistic rumour!' He refused to accept defeat and dismiss it immediately as misinformation; he didn't believe it at all.