# och

/ˈɑk/ (US) · /ˈɒk/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Interjection

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/och
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a word used in Scottish English to show you are surprised, annoyed, or to get someone's attention. It is like saying 'oh' or 'hey' in other parts of the UK.

For teachers: an exclamation used in Scottish English to express surprise, annoyance, or to address someone. It functions as a vocative or an interjection to signal a shift in the speaker's emotional state.

## Examples

- Och, I didn't know you were coming.
- Och, look at that weather! We should have stayed home today.
- Och, I've had enough of this nonsense; we need to get back to the farm before the rain starts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.