Background for huh
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huh

/hʌ/ /hə/

Meanings
interjection
(with falling pitch) used to express amusement or subtle surprise.

Examples :

""You got a promotion? Huh?" "
language communication linguistics word exclamation attitude sound
interjection
(with falling pitch) Used either to belittle the issuer of a statement/question, or sarcastically to indicate utter agreement, and that the statement being responded to is an extreme understatement. The intonation is changed to distinguish between the two meanings - implied dullness for belittlement, and feigned surprise for utter agreement.

Examples :

"(agreement) A: "Murder is bad." B: "Huh!""
language communication word statement attitude linguistics

Related Words

Illustration understatement

understatement noun

/ˌʌndərˈsteɪtmənt/ /ˌʌndərˈsteɪʔmənt/

An incomplete statement, particularly:

""Saying the project was 'challenging' was a significant understatement; it was practically impossible." "

Illustration sarcastically

sarcastically adverb

/sɑrˈkæstɪkli/ /sərˈkæstɪkli/

In a sarcastic manner.

"My brother sarcastically said, "Wow, that's a fantastic hairstyle!" when I showed him my new haircut. "

Illustration amusement

amusement noun

/əˈmjuzmənt/

Entertainment.

"The school fair provided much amusement for the children. "

Illustration intonation

intonation noun

/ɪntɵˈneɪʃən/

The rise and fall of the voice in speaking.

"The teacher's intonation helped the students understand the difference between a question and a statement. "

Illustration confusion

confusion noun

/kənˈfjuːʒən/

A lack of clarity or order.

"The new schedule caused confusion among the students. "

Illustration distinguish

distinguish verb

/dɪsˈtɪŋɡwɪʃ/

To recognize someone or something as different from others based on its characteristics.

"My younger sister is very good at distinguishing different types of flowers. "

Illustration responded

responded verb

/ɹəˈspɒndɪd/ /ɹəˈspɑndɪd/

To say something in return; to answer; to reply.

"to respond to a question or an argument"

Illustration reinforce

reinforce verb

/ˌɹiːɪnˈfɔː(ɹ)s/

To strengthen, especially by addition or augmentation.

"He reinforced the handle with a metal rod and a bit of tape."

Illustration promotion

promotion noun

/pɹəˈməʊʃən/ /pɹəˈmoʊʃən/

An advancement in rank or position.

"After many years of hard work, Maria received a promotion to senior manager. "

Illustration surprise

surprise noun

/səˈpɹaɪz/

Something unexpected.

"It was a surprise to find out I owed twice as much as I thought I did."

Illustration statement

statement noun

/ˈsteɪtm(ə)nt/ /ˈsteɪtmənt/

A declaration or remark.

"My teacher made a statement about the importance of studying hard. "

Illustration agreement

agreement noun

/əˈɡɹiːmənt/

An understanding between entities to follow a specific course of conduct.

"to enter an agreement;  the UK and US negotiators nearing agreement;  he nodded his agreement."