zowie, int.

zowie
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/zowie_int%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
First published 1986; not fully revised

# zowieinterjection

## Earlier version

- zowie, int. in OED Second Edition (1989)

## Factsheet

### What does the interjection zowie mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the interjection zowie. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

This word is used in U.S. English.

#### Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

### How common is the interjection zowie?

Fewer than 0.01occurrences per million words in modern written English

1910 | 0.0048
1920 | 0.0046
1930 | 0.0044
1940 | 0.0043
1950 | 0.0047
1960 | 0.0049
1970 | 0.0042
1980 | 0.0035
1990 | 0.0035
2000 | 0.0035
2010 | 0.0034

### How is the interjection zowie pronounced?

#### British English

/ˈzaʊiː/
/zaʊˈiː/
zow-EE

### Where does the interjection zowie come from?

Earliest known use

1900s

The earliest known use of the interjection zowie is in the 1900s.

OED's earliest evidence for zowie is from 1902, in Oakland (California) Enquirer.

zowie is an imitative or expressive formation.

### Nearby entries

1. zorro, n. 1838–
2. zos-grass, n. 1937–
3. zoster, n. 1601–
4. zostera, n. 1819–
5. zosterops, n. 1867–
6. Zouave, n. 1848–
7. zouk, n. 1986–
8. zounds, v. 1680
9. zounds, int. a1593–
10. Zou-Zou, n. 1860–
11. zowie, int.1902–
12. zoysia, n. 1965–
13. ZPG, n. 1970–
14. Zr, n. 1814–
15. zubr, n. 1763–
16. zubrowka, n. 1916–
17. zucarine, adj. a1425
18. zucca, n. 1818–
19. zucchetto, n. 1853–
20. zucchini, n. 1916–
21. zuche, n. 1358–1676

## Etymology

### Summary

An imitative or expressive formation.
Imitative of an exclamation of astonishment and (frequently) of admiration.

## Meaning & use

U.S. colloquial.

1. 1902–
   An exclamation of astonishment (generally, or as a reaction to a sudden or surprising act), and frequently of admiration.
   1. 1902

      > Kyte was ordered to the front and impressed with the fact that somebody must be arrested. Zowie.

      Oakland (California) Enquirer 22 July 5/2
   2. 1922

      > You're a natural-born orator and a good mixer and—Zowie!

      S. Lewis, Babbitt xiii. 169
   3. 1931

      > That class of comic-strip words like zowie and pow.

      Technol. Review November 66/1
   4. 1958

      > Visitors..they slap me where it's sore yet and zowie they're off!

      E. Birney, Turvey iv. 32
   5. 1962

      > Think of the United States as a 3,000-mile-broad comic strip where significant occasions go bam, pop and zowie.

      Spectator 25 May 674/2
   6. 1972

      > He gets out and zowie a gang of thugs come jumping out of the bushes, and next thing you know they're off with your jewel case.

      P. G. Wodehouse, Pearls, Girls, & Monty Bodkin xi. 171
   7. 1978

      > She was totally unconscious... Gently, he put her head on the floor. ‘Zowie.’

      G. McDonald, Fletch's Fortune (1979) ix. 60
   U.S. English colloquial and slang
   1. how Old English–1850
      As an exclamation of surprise or astonishment; = what, int. C.2a. Obsolete (archaic in later use).
   2. well, well Old English–
      Reduplicated. Expressing surprise, anticipation, resignation, or acquiescence. well, well. Also well, well, well.
   3. what Old English–
      As an exclamation of surprise or astonishment (sometimes mixed with indignation). Usually followed by a question.
   4. why Old English–
      As an expression of surprise (sometimes only momentary or slight; sometimes involving protest), either in reply to a remark or question, or on…
   5. avoy c1300–1400
      Exclamation of surprise, fear, remonstrance.
   6. ou c1300–
      Expressing surprise, excitement, or a similar emotion; = oh, int. ou aye: ‘yes indeed’, ‘oh yes’ (in concessive sense).
   7. ay 1340–
      Expressing earnestness, surprise, wonder, etc. Now chiefly English regional (northern) and Scottish.
   8. lord a1393–
      Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc. Cf. law, int., Lawd, int., Lor, int., lud, int.
   9. aha a1400–
      Expressing triumph, satisfaction, realization, discovery, or (now rarely) mockery or irony. Cf. ah, int. A.3, A.4, ha, int. A.1b.
   10. hilla hail a1400–1513
       Probably: = ill hail at hail, n.² A.2 (as an exclamation).
   11. whannow c1450–1500
       What! I say! Come, come!
   12. wow 1513–
       Chiefly Scottish. An exclamation, variously expressing aversion, surprise or admiration, sorrow or commiseration, or mere asseveration.
   13. heyday a1529–
       An exclamation denoting frolicsomeness, gaiety, surprise, wonder, etc.
   14. ah 1538–
       Expressing pleasure, surprise, wonder, or admiration.
   15. ah me! a1547–
       In various exclamatory uses, without definite syntactical relation to the context. In interjectional phrases, as ah me! (see ah, int. A.2a, A.4), dea…
   16. ay me a1547–
       Used to express grief, pity, regret, etc. Cf. alas, int. A.1.
   17. fore me! a1547–
       In various exclamatory uses, without definite syntactical relation to the context. In interjectional phrases, as ah me! (see ah, int. A.2a, A.4), dea…
   18. o me! a1547–
       In various exclamatory uses, without definite syntactical relation to the context. In interjectional phrases, as ah me! (see ah, int. A.2a, A.4), dea…
   19. Gods me 1570–
       With contraction of save (cf. save, v. phrases P.2c), as †Gods me, †Gods my bones, Gods my life, etc. Cf. God sa' me at sa', v. Now archaic.
   20. what the (also a) goodyear 1570–1822
       In exclamations and imprecations, apparently as a euphemism for devil. In various exclamations expressing surprise, annoyance, impatience, or…
   21. precious coals 1576–
       Used as an exclamation or oath (cf. precious, adj. A.1b).
   22. Lord have mercy (on us) 1581–
       Expressing surprise, dismay, etc. Also in Lord-a-mercy and other contracted forms (cf. God-a-mercy, int. A.1a).
   23. good heavens 1588–
       Chiefly in plural. In exclamations expressing surprise, horror, excitement, etc. Frequently with intensifying adjective, as good heavens, gracious he…
   24. whau 1589–
       Well! Why! Also = wah, int.¹ & n.¹
   25. coads 1590–1619
       An obsolete exclamation of surprise.
   26. my stars! a1593–
       my stars! and variants. Now archaic.
   27. law 1598–
       Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc.; (in early use) expressing emphatic confirmation of a statement. Sometimes with I, me, you, etc. (cf. l…
   28. Godso 1600–1777
       Used as an exclamation or oath expressing surprise or affirmation.
   29. to go out 1600
       intransitive. imperative. In form gout. Expressing dismissal, impatience, derision, incredulity, or surprise. Cf. to go on 3b at phrasal verbs I.3b…
   30. coads-nigs 1608
   31. for mercy! a1616
       for mercy! Obsolete. rare.
   32. good stars! 1615–1851
       good stars! and variants. Cf. good heavens at heaven, n. phrases P.3b. Obsolete.
   33. mercy on us (also me, etc.)! a1616–
       mercy on us (also me, etc.)!
   34. gramercy 1617–
       ? Used as an exclamation of surprise or sudden feeling; = ‘mercy on us!’
   35. goodness 1623–
       In exclamations expressing entreaty or remonstrance, as †for goodness, for goodness' sake, in the name of goodness, etc. Cf. pity, n. I.2c.
   36. what next? 1662–
       colloquial. what next?: ‘what is next?’ ‘what can be next?’ Also whatever next?
   37. mon Dieu 1665–
       ‘My God!’ Cf. god, n. & int.phrases P.1e.
   38. heugh 1668–
       An exclamation of surprise; hollo! (Cf. hewgh, int., whew, int.)
   39. criminy 1681–
       Expressing surprise. Also by criminy! Cf. crikey, int.; Gemini, n. 4.
   40. Lawd 1696–
       Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc.; = lord, int.
   41. the dickens 1697–
       (oh) the dickens!: used as an interjection expressing surprise, irritation, exasperation, etc. Now archaic and rare.
   42. (God, etc.) bless my heart 1704–
       (God, etc.) bless my heart (see bless, v.¹ A.IV.9): used as an exclamation to express surprise, alarm, etc.
   43. alackaday 1705
       alack the day: used to express grief, concern, or regret at the events of a particular day; (later more generally) used to express surprise or dismay…
   44. (for) mercy's sake! 1707–
       (for) mercy's sake!. Also in variants (chiefly U.S. regional), as mercy sakes, a mercy's name, etc.
   45. my 1707–
       Expressing surprise or admiration. Also oh, my!
   46. deuce 1710–
       As an expression of incredulous surprise; also, as an emphatic negative, as in (the) deuce a bit!, etc. (Cf. plague, n., sorrow, n., the devil a bit…
   47. gracious 1712–
       In various exclamatory phrases expressing surprise, dismay, remonstration, or entreaty, often as a euphemism for God (cf. god, n. & int.phrases…
   48. goodly and gracious 1713–44
       goodly and gracious: used as an exclamatory phrase expressing pleasant surprise. Cf. goodness gracious at goodness, n. phrases P.1b, gracious, adj.…
   49. my word 1722–
       my word (esp. as an exclamation) = upon my word at phrases P.1g.ii.ii.
   50. my stars and garters! 1758–
       my stars and garters! and variants. Cf. sense II.10b and garter, n. 2.
   51. lawks a1774–
       = Lord! Also lawk-a-daisy (me) and as noun = lackadaisy, int. lawk-a-mercy (-mussy) = Lord have mercy!; also as v. = to cry ‘Lawk-a-mercy!’, and as…
   52. losh a1779–
       = lord, n. & int., used in certain exclamations.
   53. Lord bless me (also you, us, etc.) 1784
       Lord bless me (also you, us, etc.): expressing surprise, reproach, etc.
   54. great guns! 1795–
       great guns!: used as an exclamation expressing surprise or disbelief.
   55. mein Gott 1795–
       Frequently in representations of German speech: = my God at god, n. & int.phrases P.1e.i.
   56. Dear me! 1805–
       Dear!, Oh dear!, Dear, dear!, Dear me!: exclamations expressing surprise, astonishment, anxiety, distress, regret, sympathy, or other emotion. dear…
   57. fancy 1813–
       transitive. In colloquial use often in the imperative as an exclamation of surprise. Also absol.
   58. well, I'm sure! 1815–
       well, I'm sure!: used as an exclamation of surprise. Now rare.
   59. massy 1817–
       In various exclamations (chiefly as int.): ‘mercy!’ (expressing surprise, disapproval, etc.). See mercy, int.
   60. Dear, dear! 1818–
       Dear!, Oh dear!, Dear, dear!, Dear me!: exclamations expressing surprise, astonishment, anxiety, distress, regret, sympathy, or other emotion. dear…
   61. to get off 1818–
       intransitive. In imperative. colloquial. Used as an exclamation expressing impatience or incredulity; = to get away 1b(b) at phrasal verbs 1b.ii.
   62. laws 1824–
       Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc.; = lord, int.
   63. Mamma mia 1824–
       Expressing surprise, astonishment, or approval. Also as n.
   64. by crikey 1826–
       Expressing surprise. Also by crikey. Cf. gosh, n.
   65. wisha 1826–
       An exclamation indicating dismay, emphasis, or surprise.
   66. alleleu 1829–
       Originally and chiefly Irish English. Expressing distress, horror, surprise, etc. Cf. pillaloo, int.
   67. crackey 1830–
       = crikey, int.
   68. Madonna mia 1830–
       An exclamation of surprise or strong emotion.
   69. indeed 1834–
       As an interjection, expressing (according to the intonation) irony, contempt, amazement, incredulity, or the like.
   70. to go on 1835–
       intransitive. imperative. Expressing (playful) impatience or dismissiveness, or (mock) disbelief, derision, etc.: ‘get away’. Also in go on with you…
   71. snakes 1839–
       In plural as an exclamation, esp. great snakes!
   72. Jerusalem 1840–
       Used as an exclamation, usually of surprise.
   73. sapristi 1840–
       An exclamation of astonishment, exasperation, etc.; a mild oath.
   74. oh my days 1841–
       colloquial (now chiefly British). oh my days: used as an exclamation expressing surprise, disbelief, excitement, etc. Also (and earliest) my days.
   75. tear and ages 1841–
       An act of tearing, in senses II.8 and II.9 of the verb. Here may belong the Irish interjectional phr. tear and ages (? aches), tear and wounds…
   76. what (why, etc.) in time? 1844–
       U.S. regional (chiefly New England). Used to intensify an interrogative word or phrase, as what (why, etc.) in time?: what (etc.) in the world?…
   77. sakes alive! 1846–
       sakes alive! and simply sakes!: an exclamation expressing surprise. dialect and U.S.
   78. gee willikers 1847–
       Expressing any of a number of feelings or emotions, esp. surprise, enthusiasm, or exasperation. Also used for emphasis. Cf. gee, int.² Now dated…
   79. to get away 1847–
       In imperative. Also in get away with you (now rare). colloquial (chiefly British). As an expression of astonishment or incredulity: ‘go on’, you…
   80. well, to be sure! 1847–
       As a sentence adverbial: (in affirmative use) for a certainty; certainly, undoubtedly, of course; (in concessive use) it must be admitted, indeed…
   81. gee 1851–
       Expressing any of a number of feelings or emotions, esp. surprise, enthusiasm, or exasperation. Also used for emphasis. Also (esp. in earlier use)…
   82. Great Scott 1852–
       Expressing surprise, amazement, annoyance, admiration, etc.
   83. holy mackerel! 1855–
       Used trivially. Used with a following word as an oath or expletive, as holy cow! int., holy Moses! int., holy smoke! int., holy mackerel! int., holy…
   84. doggone 1857–
       As an expression of surprise, impatience, etc.: ‘damn!’, ‘damn it’.
   85. lawsy 1868–
       Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc.; = lord, int.
   86. my wig(s)! 1871–
       Phrases. dash my wig(s) (colloquial), a mild imprecation (see dash, v.¹ I.11). my wig(s)! (colloquial) a meaningless expression of surprise, etc. w…
   87. gee whiz 1872–
       Expressing any of a number of feelings or emotions, esp. surprise, enthusiasm, or excitement. Also used for emphasis. Cf. gee, int.² Now somewhat…
   88. crimes 1874–
       = criminy, int. Cf. cripes, int.
   89. yoicks 1881–
       colloquial. An exclamation expressing surprise, astonishment, or fright; = yikes, int.
   90. Christmas 1882–
       Used as a mild expletive, expressing surprise, dismay, exasperation, etc. Cf. Christ, int.
   91. hully gee 1895–
       An exclamation of delight or surprise.
   92. 'ullo 1895–
       = hullo, int.
   93. my hat! 1899–
       my hat!: used as an exclamation expressing surprise or disbelief.
   94. good (also great) grief! 1900–
       Chiefly colloquial. to come to grief: to meet with disaster; (Sport) to have a fall; to fail, prove abortive; so to bring to grief. Also good (als…
   95. strike me pink! 1902–
       Colloquially used in jocular forms of imprecation, as strike me blind, dumb, lucky (if, but—), and various nonce-phrases. strike me pink! (slang): an…
   96. zowie 1902–
       An exclamation of astonishment (generally, or as a reaction to a sudden or surprising act), and frequently of admiration.
   97. hot diggety 1906–
       = hot diggety dog, int.
   98. oo-er 1909–
       An expression of surprise, dismay, titillation, etc.
   99. what do you know? 1909–
       colloquial (originally U.S.). what do you know?: used to express surprise (also what do you know about that?); also used parenthetically (cf. do you…
   100. cripes 1910–
        In the exclamation (by) cripes!: = Christ, n. & int.phrases P.1d.
   101. how about that? 1910–
        colloquial. how about ——?: used in asking for information or an opinion on something; (frequently also) used as a way of proposing or suggesting…
   102. coo 1911–
        An exclamation expressing surprise or incredulity. slang.
   103. can you tie that? 1918–
        North American. To match or equal (an existing record or score); colloquial phrases can you tie that?, tie that!, expressions of surprise or…
   104. yeow 1924–
        An exclamation of shock or pain.
   105. ziggety 1924–
        int. Usually preceded by hot and followed by dog or another monosyllable: = hot diggety, int.
   106. stone (or stiffen) the crows 1930–
        Colloquial phrase stone (or stiffen) the crows: an exclamation of surprise or disgust. Esp. Australian.
   107. hullo 1931–
        A call used to hail a person or to excite his or her attention. Also used in response to a telephone call and (frequently repeated) to express…
   108. tiens 1932–
        An expression of surprise.
   109. whammo 1932–
        = wham, n.² 2; an exclamation suggesting a sudden violent blow or surprising event, etc.
   110. po po po 1936–
        Expressing surprise, commiseration, indignation, etc.
   111. yikes 1940–
        An exclamation of astonishment, alarm, etc.
   112. hallo 1942–
        A shout or exclamation to call attention, or expressing some degree of surprise (e.g. on meeting someone unexpectedly). Cf. halloo, v. Frequently…
   113. brother 1945–
        Expressing surprise, excitement, appreciation, disbelief, etc., or used to give emphasis to a following statement. Frequently in oh brother!
   114. tie that! 1948–
        North American. To match or equal (an existing record or score); colloquial phrases can you tie that?, tie that!, expressions of surprise or…
   115. alamak 1952–
        Expressing surprise, shock, dismay, or outrage.
   116. surprise 1953–
        The feeling or emotion excited by something unexpected, or for which one is unprepared. As int.: surprise, surprise: an exclamation indicating…
   117. wowee 1963–
   118. orale 1973–
        Used to express surprise, awe, etc.: ‘wow!’, ‘gosh!’.
   119. never 1974–
        Expressing disbelief of or surprise at what has just been said. Also used ironically.
   120. to sod off 1976–
        intransitive. In imperative. As an expression of disbelief or scornful rejection of an assertion. Cf. to get away 1b(b) at get, v. phrasal verbs…
   121. whee 1978–
        An exclamation of joy, exhilaration, astonishment, etc. Occasionally as n., a high-pitched sound resembling this.
   122. mercy 1986–
        ‘Have mercy!’, ‘May God have mercy!’ (sometimes with qualification, as God's mercy!, etc., and in weakened use expressing surprise, fear, etc.).
   123. yipes 1989–
        An exclamation of fear, alarm, or dismay (also occasionally of excitement or surprise).
   View in Historical Thesaurus
   1. aha a1400–
      Expressing triumph, satisfaction, realization, discovery, or (now rarely) mockery or irony. Cf. ah, int. A.3, A.4, ha, int. A.1b.
   2. och a1522–
      Originally: expressing sorrow or regret. Later: expressing annoyed dismissal or disregard, exasperation, etc. och how!: ‘alas!’.
   3. heyday a1529–
      An exclamation denoting frolicsomeness, gaiety, surprise, wonder, etc.
   4. ah 1538–
      Expressing pleasure, surprise, wonder, or admiration.
   5. ah me! a1547–
      In various exclamatory uses, without definite syntactical relation to the context. In interjectional phrases, as ah me! (see ah, int. A.2a, A.4), dea…
   6. ay me a1547–
      Used to express grief, pity, regret, etc. Cf. alas, int. A.1.
   7. fore me! a1547–
      In various exclamatory uses, without definite syntactical relation to the context. In interjectional phrases, as ah me! (see ah, int. A.2a, A.4), dea…
   8. o me! a1547–
      In various exclamatory uses, without definite syntactical relation to the context. In interjectional phrases, as ah me! (see ah, int. A.2a, A.4), dea…
   9. gosse a1556–
      Mincing pronunciation of god, n. & int.: cf. gosh, n.
   10. o (also oh) rare! 1596–
       As int. o (also oh) rare!: expressing astonishment, admiration, etc. Now archaic or poetic.
   11. law 1598–
       Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc.; (in early use) expressing emphatic confirmation of a statement. Sometimes with I, me, you, etc. (cf. l…
   12. strange c1670–
       Quasi-int. ‘An expression of wonder’ (Johnson); ‘an elliptical expression for it is strange (W. 1828).
   13. lack-a-day 1695–
       = alack, int.
   14. stap my vitals 1697–
       transitive. = stop, v., in the phrase stap my vitals, used as an exclamation of surprise, anger, etc., or as an asseveration.
   15. alackaday 1705
       alack the day: used to express grief, concern, or regret at the events of a particular day; (later more generally) used to express surprise or dismay…
   16. prodigious 1707–1886
       As int. Expressing astonishment or dismay. Obsolete.
   17. my word 1722–
       my word (esp. as an exclamation) = upon my word at phrases P.1g.ii.ii.
   18. gosh 1757–
       An oath or exclamation, (by) gosh!, my gosh!
   19. Dear me! 1805–
       Dear!, Oh dear!, Dear, dear!, Dear me!: exclamations expressing surprise, astonishment, anxiety, distress, regret, sympathy, or other emotion. dear…
   20. Madre de Dios 1815–
       In representation or imitation of the speech of Spanish and Italian speakers: mother.
   21. Great Jove! 1819–
       With a personal name or unique designation: usually combining other senses, as pre-eminent, admirable… In exclamations, expressing surprise…
   22. I snum 1825–
       Esp. in I snum as exclamation. Also as n. in by snum! (obsolete). Cf. vum, v., vum, n.
   23. crikey 1826–
       Expressing surprise. Also by crikey. Cf. gosh, n.
   24. my eye 1826–
       my eye (also rarely †my eyes): an expression of surprise, disbelief, or denial; (occasionally as n.) nonsense. In recent use also (dismissively) with…
   25. crackey 1830–
       = crikey, int.
   26. golly gosh 1835–
       Used to express surprise, awe, or excitement, or simply for emphasis.
   27. snakes 1839–
       In plural as an exclamation, esp. great snakes!
   28. Great Scott 1852–
       Expressing surprise, amazement, annoyance, admiration, etc.
   29. holy mackerel! 1855–
       Used trivially. Used with a following word as an oath or expletive, as holy cow! int., holy Moses! int., holy smoke! int., holy mackerel! int., holy…
   30. whoops 1870–
       colloquial (often humorous). Used to express mild surprise, dismay, regret, etc., typically in response to a minor accident or mistake.
   31. this beats my grandmother 1883
       this beats my grandmother: said of something that excites astonishment. Obsolete.
   32. wow 1892–
       In general use. Now chiefly expressing astonishment or admiration.
   33. great balls of fire 1893–
       colloquial (originally and chiefly U.S.) great balls of fire: used as an exclamation to express amazement or delighted surprise.
   34. zowie 1902–
       An exclamation of astonishment (generally, or as a reaction to a sudden or surprising act), and frequently of admiration.
   35. oo-er 1909–
       An expression of surprise, dismay, titillation, etc.
   36. wowey 1921
       = wow, int. 2.
   37. crimes 1929–
       = criminy, int. Cf. cripes, int.
   38. yikes 1940–
       An exclamation of astonishment, alarm, etc.
   39. yow a1943–
       In modern Australian and New Zealand use = wow, int. 2.
   40. wowee 1963–
   41. Madre mia! 1964–
       In representation or imitation of the speech of Spanish and Italian speakers: mother.
   42. whee 1978–
       An exclamation of joy, exhilaration, astonishment, etc. Occasionally as n., a high-pitched sound resembling this.
   43. chingas 1984–
       Used to express surprise, awe, etc.: ‘wow!’, ‘gosh!’
   View in Historical Thesaurus

## Pronunciation

### British English

/ˈzaʊiː/
/zaʊˈiː/
zow-EE

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- ɬrhingyll
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛtl/ but /ˈpɛtl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- iːfleece
- ihappy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- atrap, bath
- ɑːstart, palm, bath
- ɒlot
- ɔːthought, force
- ʌstrut
- ʊfoot
- uːgoose
- əletter
- əːnurse
- ɪənear
- ɛːsquare
- ʊəcure
- eɪface
- ʌɪpride
- aʊmouth
- əʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ãgratin
- ɒ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.

##### Consonants

b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values

- gguy
- jjay
- yyore
- chchore
- khloch
- shshore
- ththaw
- dhthee
- zhbeige

##### Vowels

- atrap
- ahpalm
- airsquare
- arstart
- arrcarry (British only)
- awthought
- ayface
- a(ng)gratin
- edress
- eefleece
- eerdeer
- errmerry
- ikit
- ighpride
- irrmirror
- olot (British only)
- ohgoat
- oogoose
- oorcure
- orforce
- orrsorry (British only)
- owmouth
- oyvoice
- o(ng)salon
- ustrut
- uhletter
- urnurse
- urrhurry
- uufoot

## Frequency

zowie typically occurs fewer than 0.01 times per million words in modern written English.

zowie is in frequency band 2, which contains words occurring between 0.001 and 0.01 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

### Frequency of zowie, int., 1910–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.

Decade | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
1910 | 0.0048
1920 | 0.0046
1930 | 0.0044
1940 | 0.0043
1950 | 0.0047
1960 | 0.0049
1970 | 0.0042
1980 | 0.0035
1990 | 0.0035
2000 | 0.0035
2010 | 0.0034

zowie, int. was first published in 1986; not fully revised.

zowie, int. was last modified in December 2024.