Pew Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pew

[pjuː ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

A sound made in imitation of a laser gun or explosion, used to express amusement or satisfaction.

Synonyms

bang, boom, zap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pew

Best used to imitate the sound of a laser or futuristic gun. Often found in sci-fi settings or playful contexts.

  • The space ranger aimed his blaster and yelled, 'Pew! Pew!' as he fired at the alien.
  • Little Timmy ran around the living room, pretending his toy was a ray gun: 'Pew! Pew! Pew!'.
zap

Commonly used to describe a quick, electric shock or futuristic energy discharge. Often seen in sci-fi or comic contexts.

  • The alien zapped the hero with a ray gun, disabling him instantly.
  • She felt a sudden zap as she accidentally touched the live wire.
bang

Ideal for representing a gunshot or a sudden, loud noise. Suitable for both serious and playful scenarios.

  • The door slammed shut with a loud bang.
  • The cowboy drew his pistol and fired a quick bang into the air.
boom

Typically used to describe a deep, resonant explosion sound. Often associated with fireworks, bombs, or large machines.

  • The distant boom of fireworks could be heard as they lit up the night sky.
  • The old factory collapsed with a mighty boom.

Examples of usage

  • The video game was full of pew-pew sounds as the players battled each other.
  • He chuckled at the pew-pew noises coming from the toy gun.
Context #2 | Noun

internet slang

An onomatopoeic term often used in memes and online culture to signify shooting or firing a weapon.

Synonyms

bang, fire, shoot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pew

Used to describe the sound of a laser gun or a futuristic weapon, often in a playful or light-hearted manner.

  • 'The toy spaceship went 'pew, pew' as the kids played
  • ' or 'In the sci-fi movie, the hero's ray gun made a 'pew' sound
  • '
bang

Used to describe a loud, impactful sound, often associated with a gunshot or explosion; can also imply suddenness.

  • 'There was a loud 'bang' as the car backfired
  • ' or 'She heard a 'bang' and knew something had gone wrong
  • '
shoot

Generally used to describe the act of discharging a weapon, can be applied broadly from casual conversation to more serious contexts.

  • 'He went to the range to practice how to shoot
  • ' or 'She told him not to shoot until they had a clear target in sight
  • '
fire

Commonly used in military or combat situations to command someone to shoot; can also mean the act of shooting multiple rounds.

  • 'The sergeant yelled 'fire' and the soldiers opened fire
  • ' or 'They were ready to fire when they saw the enemy approaching
  • '

Examples of usage

  • The meme featured a cat with a caption saying 'pew pew' as it pretended to shoot lasers from its eyes.
  • The forum was filled with users typing 'pew pew' in response to a funny post.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • Pews vary in style, from simple benches to intricately carved designs found in historic churches.
  • In some churches, the arrangement of pews reflects the importance of the clergy, with the most ornate seating closest to the altar.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the use of pews can symbolize communal worship, bringing people together in a shared spiritual space.
  • The first documented use of pews in a church setting was in the 13th century, evolving how congregants engaged during services.

Modern Usage

  • In contemporary churches, pews may be replaced by chairs for flexibility and to adapt to different types of gatherings.
  • Websites dedicated to church architecture often showcase unique pew designs that highlight local craftsmanship.

Psychological Aspect

  • Sitting in pews can create a sense of community among congregants, promoting bonding over shared beliefs and practices.
  • The comfort level of pew seating can impact how engaged individuals feel during services or sermons.

Origin of 'pew'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pew' comes from the Old French word 'puie,' meaning 'a place to sit.'
  • Originally, pews were often made of wood and offered a place for congregation members to sit during services.

The word 'pew' originates from the sound of a laser beam or a gunshot. It gained popularity through internet culture and online memes, often used to represent the action of shooting or firing a weapon in a playful or humorous way. The onomatopoeic nature of 'pew' makes it a versatile term in expressing amusement or satisfaction in various digital contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,124, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.