English Explanatory Dictionary

woulda, coulda, shoulda

English dictionary entry

Meanings

phrase
  1. An expression of dismissiveness or disappointment concerning a statement, question, explanation, course of action, or occurrence involving hypothetical possibilities, uncertain facts, or missed opportunities.
noun
  1. An instance or moment of regret, hindsight, or futile pondering over a missed opportunity.

Word forms

woulda, coulda, shoulda shoulda, coulda, woulda shoulda, woulda, coulda woulda, shoulda, coulda coulda, shoulda, woulda coulda, woulda, shoulda woulda, coulda, shouldas

Etymology

Derisively mimics the frequent perfect conditional forms (I would have done this and that) which are used when discussing events that may have occurred in the past.

Related words

could have, would have, should have the road to hell is paved with good intentions too little, too late
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