The Reason We Say 'OUCH!'

The expression of pain is a universal human experience, but the way it's vocalized varies across cultures, illustrated by the different exclamations for "ouch" around the world. This variation is a fascinating intersection of linguistics, culture, and biology.

In English, "ouch" is commonly used. In Spanish, it's often "ay" while in French, "aïe" is a common utterance.

Biologically, the vocalization of pain is an instinctive response, but the specific sounds used are learned. Infants across the world initially exhibit similar pain responses, but as they grow and acquire language, their expressions align with their linguistic and cultural surroundings.

[kenshi]

That's because it's not painful enough. If the pain gets crazy mad, all culture-based responses will give way to

[nanthawatkridakorn]

As the pain level gets higher, the sounds we make become more universal.

[sagnikde]

well when pain is very high, everyone forgets their language and goes

[draliann]

Screaming like is how babies cry, including for pain. That's why as people get older if the pain is high enough it still defaults to that. The exclamations are definitely taught in the same way cussing is.

[penepleto]

If you're not yelling with Tom and Jerry's you're doing it wrong.

[FrigidARC]

“Ouch” isn’t universal but “AUGGHHH” definitely is 💀

[Morn__]

In England we say “my disappointment is immeasurable, and my day is ruined”

[thefungiwhisperer]

Honestly I really like the "bless you" for pain

[Laura-klvi]

It's interesting. We native English speakers Say we say "ouch!" but we really say "ow!" or "ah!"

[Smooth_Bread]

I feel like the simple Is pretty universal

[idesel]

What is perplexing to me is the sound made by objects and especially animals being mimicked differently according to the language of the speaker.

[gwendolynrobinson]

Now tell me why I say "OW" when I THINK I'm about to get hurt but then don't 💀

[salemisokay]

I once stubbed my toe at school and said “Eina!” Which is the Afrikaans version of this. My British friend looked me dead in the eye and said “why did you say anal?”. I think about this day a lot.

[brenperrette]

No what i say is “AH SH*T HOLY MOTHER OF CHEESE AND PICKLE SANDWICH JESUS! "

[JPRmus]

in british, its “ah, fuck. I can’t believe you’ve done this.”

[twistedtales]

Senseless screaming and sobbing is the.
Universal expression of pain, dude.

[btdragonmm]

We all swear in our own language when it hurts enough

[hadd-zwlk]

“Akh!” for arabic, which is the shouting of “Akhi!” Which is calling your brother for help 😊

[noelomondi]

I speak swahili, the word 'Pole' directly translates to 'sorry'.

[Guts-]

In France we put a baguette in our mouth to make the pain go away
Yes, we always carry a pain baguette