How should I use phrases such as "uh huh"?
I have seen various combinations of interjections (or "grunt words", as they are sometimes called) used in fictional dialogue, such as:
uh huh (which I take for a yes)
uh uh (for no)
nuh uh (also saw that once for no, but I'm not even sure nuh is even a word)
whereas a standalone "huh?" usually means the person doesn't understand something.
Are these commonly associated with the meanings I have assumed (either in American English, or elsewhere)? Are there others I have missed?
Are they really appropriate to use in dialogue? What effect does having them (or not) have?
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1 answer
People generally speak with "um" and "huh" peppered throughout their speech. Their meaning can be defined in a general sense, but that meaning may not always be consistent, and some of their meaning will be encoded in body language. (Nods, facial expressions, gesticulations, and so on.)
For example, see this definition of "huh":
—used to express surprise, disbelief, or confusion, or as an inquiry inviting affirmative reply
In my experience, it can also indicate agreement (if accompanied by a nod). So that's five possible meanings.
Similarly, "uh huh" means agreement - in a vague sort of way - but it can mean sarcastic agreement or emphatic agreement, and the writer would have to indicate this very well. For example, what does this mean?
"Uh huh", she said, shaking her head.
Of course, context within the text will help. But many writers omit these in dialog, employing them only occasionally for effect. Including them all the time or too often looks odd or makes people look stupid. Making people look stupid will also reflect badly on the writer, since it can come across as a cheap shot.
I won't say to never use them - that'd be silly, users are used to them to a point - but I'd reserve these words for when you want to indicate, um, confusion or indecision in a character who's already been established to the reader.
Indicating body language helps. It makes the reader work harder, but it can be used to good effect. Just don't overuse the technique, like any special effect.
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