• Question: Why do people say "ahh" after taking a drink?

    Asked by samsam to Alex, Amy, Andy, Georgia, Ollie on 20 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Andy MacLeod

      Andy MacLeod answered on 19 Jun 2011:

      Hi Sam.

      That’s an interesting question. Never really thought about it. But here’s some unsubstantiated speculation: It acts a verbal signal of satisfaction, or even of pleasure. Perhaps to signal to your companions “that was nice. I’d like some more.” A compliment to whoever prepared the drink maybe. A subconscious note of gratitude?

      A little googling suggests other potential explanations. Some folks say it’s because you stop breathing when you take a sip, so you finish the breath, and exhale when you’re done. Which sounds vaguely plausible too.

      But I can’t say for sure. Sometimes, things just happen. Human behaviour is highly complex, and you can come up with potential explanations for most things. But they might not always be true.

    • Photo: Alex Munro

      Alex Munro answered on 20 Jun 2011:

      As an expression of pleasure (ahh…that tastes good), relief (ahh… I needed that!), satisfaction…(ahh… that’s better!)? Those would be my guesses… 😉

      Why would you say “ahh” after taking a drink, do you think?

Comments

  • Photo: samsam

    samsam commented on :

    I think I agree with Andy when he said it’s to do with holding your breath. It’s kind of the same thing when you swim. You twist your head to breathe and you say “ahh”. The same way you would after a drink.