Uff da


Uff da! is an exclamation or interjection expressing bafflement, surprise, or dismay. Of Norwegian origin, the phrase was brought by Scandinavian Americans in the Upper Midwest, New England, and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States during the 19th century. The Swedish exclamation ojdå is similar in meaning and usage.

Norwegian usage

In Norwegian, uff or huff is an interjection used when something is unpleasant, uncomfortable, hurtful, annoying, sad, or irritating. Uff da is most often used as a response when hearing something lamentable, and could often be translated as "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that".

North American usage

Uff da can be used as an expression of surprise, astonishment, exhaustion, relief and sometimes dismay. Within Scandinavian-American culture, Uff da frequently translates to: "I am overwhelmed", somewhat similar to the Yiddish phrase oy vey. Uff da can often be used as an alternative for many common obscenities.
The phrase has become a marker of Scandinavian heritage. As a result, the term is predominantly prevalent in the Upper Midwest, United States––a region with large populations of people with Scandinavian roots––and has been applied to names of places and events, such as: