Phrase guide

ooh la la

intj · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • UK: /ˈuː.læ.læ/
  • UK: /ˈuː.læ.lɑː/
  • US: /u.lɑˈlɑ/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -ɑː

1

intj

Meaning 1

A reply implying pretentiousness; often in response to another person's use of a big word, especially a loanword that English got from French.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Oh, they were serving croque-monsieurs, now were they? Ooh la la.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

intj

Meaning 2

An exclamation of surprise, sometimes with strong sexual connotations.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Ooh la la, monsieur, you do have big muscles after all.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

French oh là là / ouh là là, an exclamation of surprise, concern, or dismay. The French exclamation lacks the connotations of the English, either of snobbery or raciness; these emerged in English owing to stereotypes about the French.