whoa
Origin of whoa
Words nearby whoa
MORE ABOUT WHOA
What does whoa mean?
Whoa is used to express that something is impressive, surprising, or astounding, as in Whoa! Look at that sunset! In this sense, itâs very similar to wow.
Whoa is also used as a command to stop. This command is especially associated with its use to get a horse to stop or slow down.
Whoa is an interjection, meaning itâs typically used by itself outside of a sentence.
Some people spell it woah.
Example: When I told Keanu that the horse was running right at him, he just stood there and said, âWhoa.â
Where does whoa come from?
The first records of the word whoa are in reference to the command to stop, especially when given to a horse. Itâs thought to be a variant of the word ho, which was an earlier way of commanding a horse to stop (and a good way to remember that itâs spelled whoa).
Itâs still used as a command to stop for horses and people, as in Whoa there, slow down or OK, whoa, letâs not celebrate until all the votes are in.Â
The first records of the use of whoa as an interjection when impressed or surprised come from the late 1800s. This is how itâs most often used today. People say whoa when they see or hear something impressive, as in Whoa, that looks delicious! or Whoa, lightning just hit the tree! Whoa isnât always exclaimed. Sometimes, itâs said softly to express amazement. This is especially the case when whoa is used as a one-word response. For example, if someone tells you something really surprising, you might just say, “Whoa.”
Did you know ... ?
How is whoa used in real life?
Whoa is very informal. Itâs most often used to show that youâre impressed.
Whoa âŒïž What just happened đČ
Impressive skills đđđ https://t.co/7qFrq2ZxKv
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) May 12, 2020
Whoa! Incredible shot of the storm that just passed BDL from Alexandra Lukianoff in Hartford. pic.twitter.com/2cSRkGQU8R
— Ryan Hanrahan (@ryanhanrahan) May 11, 2020
As a former cowboy I can tell you that horses ONLY respond to whoa đ
— Eric Leach (@flyineric) September 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/ryanhanrahan/status/1259987936768122886/photo/1
Try using whoa!
Is whoa used correctly in this sentence?Â
Whoa, that roller-coaster ride was intense!