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HomeHacksMeaning of Mtchew (+ Origin, Alternative Words, and Why People Use It)

Meaning of Mtchew (+ Origin, Alternative Words, and Why People Use It)

The last expression anyone wants to hear when in a heated conversation with someone else is mtchew.

When a person uses mtchew, they are disgusted by something or someone, dissatisfied, annoyed, frustrated, or hateful.

The word mtchew is a nonverbal reaction pronounced by sucking the teeth and releasing air between the lips and the teeth.

Most people find mtchew the easiest way to communicate emotions instead of speaking directly.

So, where did the word mtchew come from?

 Well, its origin can be traced back to Nigeria’s Pidgin English and other Western African nations before spreading to other countries.

The Nigerian Pidgin English came about during their colonization by the English-speaking British.

Therefore, the interaction between the British and local people in Nigeria gave birth to pidgin English.

Is Mtchew a Rude Expression?

In most cultural contexts, mtchew expression is considered rude even though some people use it to express displeasure in disappointing situations.

When used in confrontations, the word leaves a negative impression when it comes out of someone’s mouth.

Besides sounding rude, mtchew also has disrespect written all over it.

However, mtchew may not bear much weight when used in light-hearted or humorous conversations among friends and colleagues.

The rudeness gravity of mtchew depends on the nature of the conversation.

An argumentative conversation will attract a rude mtchew, while a hearty exchange of words between friends attracts a non-offensive mtchew.

Can Mtchew be used in a Positive Context?

Mtchew is predominantly used in negative circumstances to express emotions like displeasure, contempt, disapproval, irritation, and other similar feelings.

Incorporating mtchew in a cheerful or hearty conversation without sounding rude is hard.

You should instead use other appropriate words that fit within a positive context and avoid mtchew at all costs unless the context changes and becomes confrontational.

Reasons Why People Use Mtchew Instead of Saying Something Directly

Besides communicating emotions, below are other reasons explaining why people use mtchew rather than speaking directly:

  • Societal Settings: mtchew is commonly used in most societies to communicate negative emotions. Most cultures have accepted its use, so it is common for people to use it to show dissatisfaction.
  • It is the Easiest Way to Release Emotions: Rather than the verbal expression that will require the use of several words to express dissatisfaction, Mtchew provides a quick alternative to release emotions.
  • Informal Conversation: The word mtchew is mainly used in informal and casual conversations, where people don’t need formal language to express their emotions.

How to Use Mtchew in a Sentence

Ever wondered how the phrase Mtchew would sound in a sentence?

Here are a few examples to give you a clue on how to use it in a sentence:

  • “Mtchew, the pizza delivery is late again for a second time this week. I wonder what excuse they will give this time.”
  • “I told her how elegantly dressed she was, but she didn’t utter even a simple thank you. Mtchew, I should have reserved my compliment”.
  • “I hate his know-it-all attitude. Mtchew, I wish he knew how dumb he sounds most of the time.”
  • ” The concert kicks off in an hour, and I can’t find my ticket. Mtchew, why am I so clumsy?”
  • “I ordered an XL jacket online, and they delivered XXL. Mtchew, at this point, I don’t even want an exchange but a refund.”
  • “The person seated next to me in the bus chewed gum loudly. Mtchew, that was the longest short bus trip ever.”

Alternative Words That You Can Use Instead of Mtchew

Sure, there are several phrases you can use in place of mtchew.

The alternative words also communicate similar emotions to mtchew, and some sound less rude.

They are as follows, some verbal, others non-verbal:

  • Oh Please: a verbal expression to reject or dismiss a claim.
  • Ugh: almost similar to mtchew, ugh communicates disgust or frustration.
  • Tsk: this is a clicking sound used to express disapproval.
  • Meh: used by people to show their disinterest in something or someone.
  • Whatever: can be used to disengage from a conversation, to express annoyance and disapproval.
  • Eye Roll: is expressed through someone rolling their eyes upwards to dismiss a statement or show they are not impressed by a claim.
  • Sigh: a deep, loud breath used to communicate displeasure or frustration.
Kenyalogue Contributor

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