aw
interjection Sometimes elongated with multiple w's to add emphasis.
1. An expression of shyness, happiness, or embarrassment. A: "You're just too sweet!" B: "Aw, you're gonna make me blush." Aw, it was nothing. I was happy to help. Aw, that's so nice of you to say! Thank you!
2. An expression of disappointment. Aw, it looks like we're going to lose the game after all. A: "Sorry, kids, the rain clouds are rolling in—we're going to have to cancel the picnic." B: "Awww!" Aw man, it didn't snow last night—so we still have to go to school today.
3. An expression of tenderness or sympathy. Aww, look at the sweet little puppy! A: "Mommy, I hurt my knee!" B: "Aw, you poor thing. Come here and let me give you a kiss!" Aw, come here, honey. What's wrong?
aw shucks
1. An expression of shyness, happiness, or embarrassment. A: "You're just too sweet!" B: "Aw shucks, you're gonna make me blush." Aw shucks, it was nothing. I was happy to help. Aw shucks, that's so nice of you to say! Thank you!
2. An expression of disappointment. Aw shucks, it looks like we're going to lose the game after all. The rain clouds seem to be rolling in now. Aw shucks! Aw shucks, it didn't snow last night—so we still have to go to school today.
aw-shucks
Indicative of shyness or a lack of sophistication. Charlie was a nice fellow with a sweet, aw-shucks demeanor. You'll never get ahead until you ditch this aw-shucks attitude and become more assertive in the board room. You'll love him—he's very down to earth with an aw-shucks air about him.
nuts
1. noun, vulgar slang The testicles. I kicked the mugger in the nuts and grabbed my wallet back off him. He grabbed his nuts in a lewd gesture to the crowd.
2. noun, vulgar slang Confidence, self-esteem, motivation, etc. Often but not always said of a man. You've got nuts standing up to them like that, man. He doesn't have the nuts to try a plan that bold.
3. adjective Crazy; manic or eccentric; out of one's mind. Trying to figure out what's wrong with this computer is driving me nuts! You're totally nuts if you think they'll let you get away with it.
4. interjection An exclamation of dismay, frustration, or exasperation. Ah, nuts! I left my lunchbox on the school bus! A: "Nuts!" B: "What's wrong?" A: "The screwdriver slipped out of my hand and left a big gash in the wall."
shoot
A mild exclamation of anger, annoyance, regret, or disgust (about something). Typically preceded by the interjections "ah," "aw," or "oh." Shoot! I thought that would fix the problem with the computer, but I guess something else must be wrong. Ah, shoot—that was supposed to be a surprise for your birthday!
shucks
1. A mild exclamation of anger, annoyance, regret, or disgust (about something). Often preceded by the interjections "ah" or "aw." Shucks! I thought that would fix the problem with the computer, but I guess something else must be wrong. Ah, shucks—that was supposed to be a surprise for your birthday!
2. A mild exclamation of humility or embarrassment, especially when receiving praise or flattery. Often preceded by the interjections "ah" or "aw." A: "I wanted to give you this gift as thanks for everything you did for me and my family." B: "Aw, shucks. I was only doing my duty, ma'am." I've been thinking long and hard about what I would say if I won this award, but now that I'm here, well, shucks—I'm downright speechless!
3. noun Something of very little value. Used especially in the phrases "not worth shucks" and "not amount to shucks." All their promises won't amount to shucks if they aren't willing to back them up with action. I learned long ago that people like him aren't worth shucks.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.