Pained cry

YIPE

Think of the short, sharp sound you might make if you stubbed your toe.

"Pained cry" is a straightforward clue pointing to a short exclamation someone might shout when startled or hurt. The answer "YIPE" fits because it’s a quick, sharp sound of pain or surprise, like "yipe!" when you stub your toe. It’s a less common alternative to "yowch" or "ow," but the three-letter length makes it a perfect crossword fill. The clue plays it simple—no wordplay, just a direct definition.