HUH

What Does HUH Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

HUH is typically used as a slang word, with the meaning "I am Confused or Surprised" or "Do you Understand?". It can also mean "Heels Up Harris."

Slang Word

HUH is most often used to express surprise, disbelief, contempt or a lack of understanding. When placed at the end of a sentence, HUH typically serves as a (usually rhetorical) question or is used to confirm that what has been said has been understood. In 2020, rapper Eladio Carrión had a hit with a song entitled HUH, taken from the Sauce Boyz album.

Eladio Carrión, Smokepurpp - Huh? | Sauce Boyz

Heels Up Harris

In August 2020, HUH was adopted by some Republican voters as a derogatory nickname for Democratic party vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris. In this context, HUH means "Heels Up Harris" and probably refers to an affair that the then 29-year-old Harris had with San Francisco politician Willie Brown in the 1990s.

Image for HUH

When I write HUH, I mean this:

HUH can also mean "Do you Understand?" and "Heels Up Harris."

Summary of Key Points

First Definition for HUH

"I am Confused or Surprised" is, by far, the most common meaning for HUH when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

HUH
Definition:	I am Confused or Surprised
Type:	Slang Word (Jargon)
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition for HUH

HUH also means "Do you Understand?"

HUH
Definition:	Do you Understand?
Type:	Slang Word (Jargon)
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Third Definition for HUH

Amongst some supporters of the Republican Party HUH also means "Heels Up Harris."

HUH
Definition:	Heels Up Harris
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults

Examples of HUH in Sentences

Here's an example of HUH in conversation:

• Claire: They say we now have the highest rate of the virus in the whole world.
• Karen: HUH! You don't believe that do you? It's all fake news.
• Claire: You've been watching those crazies on YouTube again, haven't you? HUH?

(Here HUH expresses surprise and disbelief, as well serving as a rhetorical question.)

• Sam: They say Mike Pence going to throw a sickie so that he doesn't have to take part in the VP debate.
• Jo: I hope he does. HUH will eat him for lunch
(Here HUH means "Heels Up Harris.")

An Academic Look at HUH

HUH is typically used as a slang word. Slang refers to words, phrases and uses of language that are regarded as very informal and which are often restricted to a special context or a particular group of users. HUH often serves as an interjection. An interjection is included in a sentence to express a sentiment such as surprise or irritation (as well as disgust, joy, excitement, or enthusiasm). HUH also often plays the role of an interrogative sentence (i.e., a question). However, even when used as a question, it is commonly seen without a question mark (i.e., it can be typed "HUH?" or "HUH"). When used with the meaning "Heels Up Harris," HUH is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.

Example of HUH Used in a Text

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