verb

ug

uhg

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Ug (verb) means to feel or cause a strong sense of dread, disgust, or revulsion; to shudder at something repulsive. Example: “She ugged at the smell coming from the fridge.”

verb

To feel or cause a strong sense of dread, disgust, or revulsion; to shudder at something repulsive.

"She ugged at the smell coming from the fridge."

noun

A feeling of horror or disgust, or something that provokes it.

"There was a definite ug factor to the horror movie's final scene."

How to use ug

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rare, old-fashioned word for a shudder of disgust or fear; today it survives mainly in the word "ugly," which grew from the same root.

When to use it

Archaic/dialectal — rarely used as a standalone word in modern English outside of dictionaries and dialect writing.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: ugs
Third person singular: ugs
Past tense: ugged

Test yourself on “ug” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

There was a definite _____ factor to the horror movie's final scene.

Etymology

From Middle English ugge, borrowed from Old Norse uggr, meaning fear or dread — the same root that eventually gave English the word "awe."

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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fright sick surplus loathe sicken pray to the porcelain god throw up

Related words

OK hate fear extra sick ill excellent profit

Frequently asked questions

What does “ug” mean?

The word “ug” means to feel or cause a strong sense of dread, disgust, or revulsion; to shudder at something repulsive. In plain terms, a rare, old-fashioned word for a shudder of disgust or fear; today it survives mainly in the word "ugly," which grew from the same root.

How do you pronounce “ug”?

“Ug” is pronounced uhg (/ʌɡ/ in IPA).

How do you use “ug” in a sentence?

Here is “ug” used in a sentence: “She ugged at the smell coming from the fridge.”

What is another word for “ug”?

Words with a similar meaning to “ug” include fright, sick, surplus, loathe, sicken and pray to the porcelain god.

What part of speech is “ug”?

Depending on how it is used, “ug” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “ug” come from?

The word “ug” comes from Middle English. From Middle English ugge, borrowed from Old Norse uggr, meaning fear or dread — the same root that eventually gave English the word "awe.".

How many meanings does “ug” have?

“Ug” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to feel or cause a strong sense of dread, disgust, or revulsion; to shudder at something repulsive.

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OK hate fear extra sick ill excellent profit