"Ouch" is an exclamation commonly used to express pain or discomfort. People often say "ouch" when they accidentally hurt themselves, such as by stubbing a toe or touching something hot. It serves as a quick way to communicate that something is wrong or that they are experiencing a physical sensation. The term can also be used in a figurative sense to indicate emotional pain or embarrassment. For example, someone might say "ouch" after receiving criticism or experiencing a setback. In both cases, "ouch" conveys a reaction to an unpleasant experience, whether physical or emotional.