Categories of Interjections

 

There are two categories of interjections:

1. Primary Interjections

Primary Interjections are single words taken NOT from usual words or any class of words, but rather from SOUNDS.

Examples:

ew - used to express disgust/nausea

ooh - can be used to express amazement, awe, affection, pain, or imitation of a ghost

aah - can be used to express amazement, joyful pleasure, sympathy, understanding, or fear (sound of someone screaming)

argh - expresses annoyance, dismay, embarrassment, or frustration

ugh - expresses disgust or annoyance, or extreme dislike

hmm - used to either demand an answer to a question or to express thinking or pondering

grr - expresses strong anger or disappointment

brr - can be used to either express disgust or aversion or to show that one is cold or shaking out of coldness

shh - used to ask for silence

sheesh - used to express exasperation or extreme irritation

hoo -  expresses the joy of triumph

yoohoo - often used to get attention

phew - expresses relief from tension, tiredness, or surprise

tsk - expresses disapproval or disappointment

2. Secondary Interjections

Secondary Interjections are words or phrases taken from words belonging to other classes like nouns, adjectives, or clauses. When used, these interjections convey entirely different meanings.

Examples:

oh my gosh = oh my god - an expression of wow (exceptionally surprising)

oh my god - (refer to 'oh my gosh!")

gosh- expresses surprise or give emphasis 

bless you - a short for "(May God) bless you."

oh well - expresses a bit of disappointment

what - used to express surprise or disbelief, also used as an informal alternative to "what did you say?"

hey, you = Hey! I'm talking to you!

well - expresses acknowledgment of a statement or situation

damn - used to express anger, agitation, dismay, or contempt

darn = damn

shit - used to express worry, failure, shock, etc.

hell - used to express discontent, anger, or unhappiness

shucks - can be used to express shy gratitude, shock, or disappointment

heck = hell