ox
“ox” means “shoo!” in Spanish (specifically used for birds).
shoo!
Also: scat!
📝 In Action
¡Ox! ¡Fuera de la cocina, gallinas!
A2Shoo! Out of the kitchen, chickens!
El niño gritaba «¡ox, ox!» para espantar a los pájaros del jardín.
B1The boy was shouting 'shoo, shoo!' to scare the birds away from the garden.
Se marchó de la reunión sin decir ox ni mox.
C1He left the meeting without saying a single word.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ox
Question 1 of 3
What is the primary target when someone says '¡Ox!'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
An onomatopoeic word, created to mimic the sharp sound used to startle and drive away domestic fowl.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'ox' to tell a person to go away?
Not really. Unless you are being intentionally funny or rude by treating the person like a chicken, it's better to use 'vete' or 'fuera'.
Is 'ox' the same as 'os'?
No. 'Os' is a pronoun used for 'you all' in Spain. 'Ox' is a sound used to scare birds. They sound similar but are totally different!
How do you pronounce the 'x' in 'ox'?
Just like the 'ks' sound in the English word 'box'.