The non-descript
sound someone might vocalize when they are surprised.
Origin:
lit. the name of an
herb, but is also reminiscent of the sound heard during the opening of the TV show, "Home Improvement".
Could be considered an exaggerated huh, and the opposite of psshh.
"Hey man, I think I'm finally gonna' do it. I'm gonna' ask
Becky to marry me!"
'That's not a good idea, Dude.'
"Why do you say that?"
'I hate to be
the one to tell you this, Dude, but...my buddy, Jake, caught
Becky around downtown with some business-looking older guy.'
*arugula* "Say what?!"