- NEW!
by Z-Weezy on November 4th, 2009
Wasn't it originally created for pack animals, like horses and cattle to slow them down? That's where the phrase "Whoa, Nelly" came from at least. Probably just got shortened over time to "whoa." +2
by Galeanda on November 5th, 2009
Whoa has been traced back to 1623, as a cry to call attention from a distance, a variant of "who". And later as a command to stop a horse, it is attested from 1843, a variant of ho. As an expression of delight or surprise (1980s) it has gradually superseded wow, which was very popular 1960s.
by The Un-named on November 5th, 2009
I believe it is a word that came from a sound made. like the word "oh" and others like it. It is just used to describe a sound.
by yummy_mummy on November 5th, 2009
I most remember hearing the word in the show blossom :P.. Joey..remember?? WHOA!
by cold_cut on November 5th, 2009
m thinking maybe you kno when you tell the horse to stop you go "woah" probably somewhere there..
Is toll free hyphenated?
by Answerbag Staff on July 18th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
When is National Spelling Bee month?
by Answerbag Staff on June 20th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
Can you give me a word that starts with a "N"?
by calicorey on December 21st, 2011
| 6 people like this
Is CFN an acronym?
by Answerbag Staff on May 30th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
Can you give me a word that starts with an "E"?
by calicorey on December 24th, 2011
| 8 people like this
You're reading When and where did the word "woah" (sometimes spelled "whoa") originate?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments
+6 smiles
by -Icy- on November 5th, 2009