You probably haven't given it much thought, but the word "ow" does have an ancient origin and it has clung to our lexicon for thousands of years.
The origin of these words is thought to stem from ancient Sumerian words for two female animals.
The word "Ouch" is derived from the Sumerian word "A'S^", and similarly the word "Ow" comes from another word "A'B".
A'S^ (pronounced Ausch) and A'B is pronounced (Au-b with a very short "b" sound on the end). If we were to say "ouch" or "ow" to an ancient Sumerian today, it is more than likely that they would understand what words you were saying.
Why did the ancient Sumerians choose these two words to use when they hurt themselves?
Well, just like with any superstitious culture, the Sumerians had a number of deities that they payed homage to or asked for boons. When somebody got hurt, they would immediately offer prayers to their god or gods to help mend their suffering. We still do it today, but we often replace the words "ouch" or "ow" with words like "f*ck", "sh*t", "Jesus", "God Damn It!", etc.
If an ancient Sumerian stubbed his or her toe, they would either pray to one of the main two deities that were in vogue at the time (both of which dealt with agriculture or husbandry).
First, let's deal with the word "ouch".
Probably depending on what side of the fence you were on in ancient Sumeria, you probably offered prayers to either the Goat God or the Cow God. If you were one that prayed to the Goat God, you probably said the word A'S^ or OUCH! The word is one used to mean a female goat. What does the female goat remind you of?
The Female Goat was one of many Ba'als from ancient times... Ba'als that were strictly forbidden by the Laws of Moses and punishable by death and curses from God.
The next word--A'b literally means "cow" and sounds similar phonetically. Perhaps one of better known Ba'als to Christians, because of the story of Moses:
Exodus 32:31-35
31And Moses returned unto the LORD and said, "Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made themselves gods of gold.
32Yet now, if Thou wilt forgive their sin -- and if not, blot me, I pray Thee, out of Thy book which Thou hast written!"
33And the LORD said unto Moses, "Whosoever hath sinned against Me, him will I blot out of My book.
34Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee; behold, Mine angel shall go before thee. Nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them."
35And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf which Aaron made.
The word "ow" and the phrase "Holy Cow!" are related to the same ancient Sumerian god--A'b.
So, if you are a Christian, the next time you stub your toe, it would be better for you to use a word like "f*ck" or "sh*t", because if you say "Ow!" or "Ouch!" you will be unknowingly offering prayers to either the Goat God or the Holy Cow! And that would spell a disastrous end to your soul, as God would surely send you straight to the infernos of Hell!
And God is a jealous God:
Exodus 20:5
5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them; for I, the LORD thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me,
) --- it's got SHIELDS!
