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 or 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, annoyance, or extreme dislike
- hmm - used to demand an answer or to express thinking or pondering
- grr - expresses strong anger or disappointment
- brr - can express disgust or aversion, or show that one is cold or shaking
- 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 other classes such as nouns, adjectives, or clauses. When used as interjections, they convey entirely different meanings.
Examples:
- oh my gosh (also oh my god) - an expression of surprise or amazement
- gosh - expresses surprise or emphasis
- bless you - short for "(May God) bless you."
- oh well - expresses mild disappointment
- what - used to express surprise or disbelief; informal alternative to "What did you say?"
- hey, you - used to get someone's attention
- well - expresses acknowledgment of a statement or situation
- damn - used to express anger, agitation, dismay, or contempt
- darn - alternative to "damn"
- shit - expresses worry, failure, shock, etc.
- hell - expresses discontent, anger, or unhappiness
- shucks - used to express shy gratitude, shock, or disappointment
- heck - milder form of "hell"
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