Used to express relief of tension, fatigue, or surprise.
Phew, that took a long time to cook!
Used to show disgust.
Phew, it stinks in here!
Attested since the early 17th century. An onomatopoeia for rapid exhalation, as one may make when a trying situation is over, or in order to get rid of an unpleasant odour. Compare Scots feuch, Spanis...
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