zowie

interjection

zow·​ie ˈzau̇-ē 

—used to express astonishment or admiration especially in response to something sudden or speedy

Did you know?

The word zowie was inspired by the sound of a speeding vehicle-a new phenomenon when the word entered the lexicon in 1902, the year before the Ford Motor Company sold its first car. It wasn't until the 1930s and 40s, though, that "zowie" really picked up the pace. "Zowie" isn't one of a kind. The British interjection "pip-pip," used to say "goodbye," dates to around the same time and is thought to be imitative of a bicycle or car horn. And "toodle-oo" (a word that sees some use on the American side of the Atlantic though it is more common in British English) shares the same meaning and hypothetical origin.

Word History

Etymology

imitative of the sound of a speeding vehicle

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!