naw
UK: nɔː | US: nɑː
adv. (informal, dialectal) no; used to express refusal or disagreement
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"Naw" is an informal or dialectal variant of "no," originating from colloquial speech, particularly in Southern American English and Scottish dialects. It reflects phonetic simplification and regional pronunciation shifts, where "no" is elongated or softened to "naw." The word lacks a clear morphemic structure, as it evolved organically through spoken language rather than compounding or affixation.
"Naw, I don’t think I’ll go to the party tonight."
"You want more pie?" "Naw, I’m full, thanks."
"Naw, that ain’t right," he muttered under his breath.
She shook her head and said, "Naw, I’d rather stay home."
"Naw, mate, that’s not how it’s done here," the Scotsman chuckled.