wha
190
9.9
- interjection
- /wɑː/
- Informal
- "Wha-wha-what happened?" he stammered.
- Excuse me, wha
- Wait, wha
- wha, what happened
Examples
-
I was woken up by him, and as usual, I went, 'Wha?'
Blog text (34) -
"Wha-wha-what?"
Fiction book (1996) -
In my polite Canadian accent, I say "oh sorry." He looks at me and says, "wha?"
Blog text (13) -
My first reaction was 'wha?' but I didn't have to be talked into it; the idea was very attractive.
Blog text (13) -
I stumbled off the couch, went to the intercom, and said, "Wha?"
Fiction book (1997) -
You know when you're watching Moneyball and the old scouts are all, "Wha ...?"
Blog text (6) -
When I heard the shocking news, all I could say was "wha?"
-
After she told me her plan, I was so surprised that I just exclaimed, "wha?"
-
He looked confused and simply muttered, "wha?" when I mentioned the change.
Synonyms
∞
7.2
To say when surprised or when you want someone to stop suddenly
648
8.0
A short sound that shows you do not understand or are surprised
147
8.9
A short cry to show surprise, confusion, disbelief, or casual acceptance
54
9.9
To ask someone to repeat what they said because you do not believe it
34
8.8
A short cry people use to show surprise or amazement
22
9.9
A short cry showing surprise or excitement
8
9.9
A short informal spelling of what used online to show confusion
6
9.9
An informal spelling of what used in casual speech and writing
5
9.9
A short informal way people use to show surprise, confusion, or disbelief
5
9.9
A short shout showing surprise or asking for attention
4
9.9
A short shout showing sudden surprise or strong impact
3
9.9
A short sound you make to show confusion or ask someone to repeat
3
9.9
A sound people make to ask someone to repeat what they said
1
9.9
A word people used long ago to show surprise
1
9.9
A funny informal way people write what online to show confusion
1
9.9
A short phrase people say when they feel surprised or do not believe something
1
9.9
A strong spoken reaction showing surprise and disbelief
A sound people make to show they do not hear or understand
How Surprised
Surface Forms
Etymology
Wha is a short, informal form of what that people say when they are surprised or confused. So, wha works like a quick 'what?' to show surprise or to ask someone to repeat something.