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Glite Dictionary
pshaw

pshaw

1 9.9
A short sound showing you do not believe or respect something
  • interjection
  • /pəˈshɔ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : ¡bah!
  • Oh, pshaw, that wasn't my idea.
  • Oh, pshaw

Examples

Synonyms

pfft
vspshaw
  • Informal
19 9.9

A short sound showing disbelief or lack of interest

expresses contempt and direct dismissal rather than indifference
hah
vspshaw
  • Informal
18 8.9

A quick sound that shows scorn or disbelief

is old-fashioned in tone rather than neutral
pish
vspshaw
  • Archaic
4 9.9

An old exclamation showing disbelief or contempt

has identical meaning and the same old-fashioned expressive use
psh
vspshaw
  • Informal
3 9.9

A short sound showing annoyance or disbelief

expresses contempt rather than mere annoyance
pah
vspshaw
  • Informal
1 9.9

A short sound used to show disgust, disbelief, or dismissal

expresses contempt rather than primary physical disgust
phoo
vspshaw
  • UK
1 9.9

A short word said to show mild disgust or disbelief

shows stronger contempt rather than only mild feeling
poh
vspshaw
  • Archaic
9.9

A short word people say to show they do not believe or respect something

places disbelief and dismissal equally with contempt

How Dismissive

pshaw
  • Archaic
1 9.9
bah
  • Informal
8 9.8
psh
  • Informal
3 9.9
phoo
  • UK
1 9.9
meh
  • Slang
21 8.4

Surface Forms

pshaw main

Etymology

Pshaw comes from the short sound psh, a quick dismissive noise people make when they do not believe or respect something. A helpful way to remember it is to imagine someone blowing air and saying 'that's nonsense', which is why pshaw is an old-fashioned way to show disbelief or contempt.