Last updated: Feb 4, 2024
"Awh" is a common slang interjection used to express sympathy, sadness, endearment, or cuteness, often when responding to someone else's misfortune or sweet gesture or photo. It can signal emotional support and caring.
"Awh" is a phonetic spelling of the sound someone makes when responding with a sympathetic awe. It's an onomatopoeia - a word that phonetically imitates a sound - for the cooing "aww" noise people vocally express when something triggers a tender, poignant feeling.
This tender feeling is the root meaning of "awh." It expresses a surge of affection, appreciation, admiration, or sympathy.
There are a few common variations:
Sometimes "awh" is combined with other sympathetic slang, like "awh, sweetie" or "awh, no!"
There are a few main situations where "awh" emerges in digital conversations:
If someone shares an annoying situation, sad story, or minor setback, "awh" shows you feel for their hardship:
"My flight got cancelled 3 times." "Awh no, that sucks!"
When someone posts a precious photo, like of a baby or puppy, "awh" conveys that heartwarming feeling their cuteness gives you.
If someone accomplishes something difficult, like running a marathon, "awh" can express awe and props for their admirable feat.
Some people use "awh" flirtatiously when someone pays them a sweet compliment to signal appreciation and reciprocal affection.