Meaning
Expressing dismissal, contempt, impatience, etc.
Etymology
Origin: French
Originally onomatopoeic ("perhaps ancient" according to Online Etymology Dictionary) for a puff of air, after earlier poh and similar to later pew, phew, pho, phoo, poof. Later influenced by poop, onomatopoeic for the sound of flatulating and defecating, and by interjections of disgust similar to phew, pee-ew. Interjection for an unpleasant smell possibly linked to French puer (“to stink”).
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
phtbleahfehmehpshawpishbahpohewwick
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 16 recorded puzzles:
- 2026-04-25OENIHLP
- 2025-09-14OAEPHTD
- 2025-05-22PTAOHCL
- 2024-12-06PHOLINY
- 2024-11-11HADPROT
- 2024-10-04PAOHENY
- 2024-08-20PXEOIHN
- 2024-08-19HYATPOR
- 2024-04-06PELHGIO
- 2024-01-18POAMGEH
- 2023-12-26OTAPNEH
- 2023-12-23OYCRPHL
+4 earlier appearances in the archive.