Why Do We Say "Achoo" When We Sneeze?
The sound "achoo" is an onomatopoeia—a word that imitates the sound it represents. It's not something consciously chosen; rather, it's a natural byproduct of the physiological processes involved in sneezing.
The "achoo" sound arises from a combination of factors:
- Inhale: The initial "ah" sound reflects the involuntary intake of breath preceding the sneeze. The tongue's position in the mouth contributes to this sound.
- Exhale: The forceful expulsion of air during the sneeze creates the "choo" sound. This is influenced by the contraction of various muscles, including those in the throat and mouth, leading to a characteristic expulsion of air. As noted by the BBC Focus magazine, "[s]ince your tongue is pressing against the roof of your mouth, the air makes a 'ch' sound, and with your lips pursed, it emerges as an 'oo'." The closing of the mouth during the sneeze further shapes this sound.
Cultural Variations
It's important to note that "achoo" isn't universal. Different languages have their own onomatopoeic representations of a sneeze. For example, in Hungarian, it's "hapci," while in German, people often say "Gesundheit," which means "bless you." This demonstrates the culturally influenced response to the involuntary act. Even the English "achoo" can have slight variations depending on individual pronunciation and the timing of the vocalization related to the sneeze.
Control over Sneeze Sounds
While sneezing is largely involuntary, the level of vocalization involved can be subtly influenced. A person can consciously choose to suppress or modify the sound to some degree, although this is not always possible given the inherent reflexes at play during a sneeze. As noted in several sources, deaf individuals, for example, may not produce a noticeable "achoo" sound, indicating that the sound is not a purely involuntary reflex.
Conclusion
The "achoo" sound is a naturally occurring onomatopoeia shaped by the physiology of sneezing and influenced, to a small extent, by conscious control over vocalization. The sound itself also varies based on individual pronunciation and cultural norms.
