interjection
cowabunga
kow-uh-BUHNG-guh
Cowabunga (interjection) means an exclamation of excitement, triumph, or enthusiasm. Example: “Cowabunga! The wave was perfect for surfing.”
interjection
1
An exclamation of excitement, triumph, or enthusiasm.
"Cowabunga! The wave was perfect for surfing."
How to use cowabunga
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA playful shout of excitement, associated with surfers and cartoon catchphrases.
When to use it
Informal and a bit dated or ironic — mostly used jokingly today.
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_____! The wave was perfect for surfing.
Etymology
Popularized in American children's TV in the 1950s, later linked to surfing culture, and made famous worldwide by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon.
Class of 1950
cowabunga joined the language around 1950.
See the full Class of 1950 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for cowabunga
See all rhymes for cowabunga →Frequently asked questions
What does “cowabunga” mean?
The word “cowabunga” means an exclamation of excitement, triumph, or enthusiasm. In plain terms, a playful shout of excitement, associated with surfers and cartoon catchphrases.
How do you pronounce “cowabunga”?
“Cowabunga” is pronounced kow-uh-BUHNG-guh (/ˌkaʊəˈbʌŋɡə/ in IPA).
How do you use “cowabunga” in a sentence?
Here is “cowabunga” used in a sentence: “Cowabunga! The wave was perfect for surfing.”
What part of speech is “cowabunga”?
“Cowabunga” is an interjection.
Where does the word “cowabunga” come from?
The word “cowabunga” dates back to around 1950. Popularized in American children's TV in the 1950s, later linked to surfing culture, and made famous worldwide by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon.
