Cry of dismay

ACK

This exclamation often follows a mistake or minor mishap, like dropping something—think of a cartoon character’s reaction. It’s short, sharp, and starts with a vowel.

"Cry of dismay" is a straightforward clue where the answer is a short exclamation people make when frustrated or surprised. "ACK" fits because it’s a comic-book-style sound (like when someone gets hit or makes an awkward noise) that also works in real life as a quick, grumpy reaction. It’s not a word with hidden wordplay—just a direct match for the sound of annoyance or alarm.