an expression of contempt or disgust; a dismissive sound made to show disapproval.
Likely imitative or onomatopoetic in origin, representing the sound of blowing air dismissively. It's chiefly Scottish and Northern English dialect, with uncertain exact origins.
Onomatopoeia words like 'pugh' are fascinating because they're one of the few ways we can trace how spoken sounds became written words—you can almost hear the scorn in it!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.