oops
UK: uːps | US: uːps
interj. an exclamation used to express mild apology, surprise, or embarrassment, typically after a minor mistake or accident.
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oops = monomorphic (not divisible into smaller meaningful morphemes in English).
Etymology Origin:
"Oops" is an example of onomatopoeia—a word formed to imitate a natural sound or spontaneous exclamation. It emerged in the early 20th century (first recorded in 1921) as a playful or lighthearted expression of surprise or error, likely mimicking the involuntary sound people make when realizing a small mishap. Unlike compound words, it has no separable roots or affixes; its power lies in its phonetic simplicity and universal recognizability.
Oops! I dropped my phone, but it’s fine.
Oops, I forgot to send the email—I’ll do it now.
“Oops,” she giggled after spilling a little coffee.
Oops, wrong turn—let’s go back.
He said “oops” quietly when his pen slipped off the desk.