Phew, Whew or Shew

[Anonymous]

Whew - from NY

Agree that Phew is a bad odor

Shew? Not a word

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From east NC near Camp Lejeune. Many folks local use “shew” for both whew and phew. Many.

Also from NC, western side, and it's definitely a thing there too.

[Anonymous]

I've lived my entire life in SoCal, and I've heard sheew or shwhew for at least 60-odd years, so yeah, it IS a thing. Can't think where now, but have even seen it used in a novel or 2 or 3...

[Anonymous]

I'm a European transplant (learned British English), and "phew" is the only word I know of the three you mention. I use it as an expression of relief.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm from the midatlantic and I use Phew and whew but differently.

Whew is for accomplishing something, getting it done, or dodging a bullet - Whew, that's a relief, Whew, that was hard work.

Phew is more for starting something tough - Phew this is going to be hard work. Keep going.

THat sounds ridiculous I know.

I don’t think it’s ridiculous. I’m midatlantic too, and to me phew = “that was a close call” and whew = “that was hard work.”

+1, from Michigan. Phew definitely conveys relief from something scary/unfortunate.

+2, also a Michigander.

[Anonymous]

I mostly use shew, though I’ve struggled with how to spell it (I’ve always used ‘shoo’). I’m from Richmond.

Shew/shoo is different from pshaw.

[Anonymous]

Yes, in the Midwest and South, as a statement of exasperation, especially while wiping one's brow: "Shew!" or "Woo-whee!" were heard commonly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I use "shoo". I've never seen it spelled "shew".

+1, it's "shoo".

Friend 1: "you going tonight?"
Friend 2: "shoo, I don't know."

[Anonymous]

I had never heard of "shew" until I met my mother in law who grew up in Baltimore. She uses "shew" instead of Geez or as a basic response to anyone explaining a difficult day or task.
It drives me....nuts!