Among my friend group, the most versatile word is “woof”.
It can be usd to express a resigned sort of sadness at an unfortunate situation:
A: “My boss declined my pay raise and cut my hours”
B: “Woof, I’m sorry.”
It can be used to mean “Wow, that’s insensitive, even as a joke”
A: “The conversation halted when he said Andrew Jackson didn’t go far enough.”
B: “Woof”
And, it can be used in a game of racquetball to indicate your Air Bud moment, the line being drawn in the sand. You’re down 8 points, things are looking grim, but you’re subbing in the dog. With one woof you declare that the game turns around here, THIS is your comeback.
A: (about to serve) “6-13. Woof”
B: “You’re woofing NOW?”
A: “I just scored 2 points, this is the start of a run. I can feel it.”
It is considered extremely rude to woof while the other person is serving. Mostly because you can only score on your own serve.
“Good woof” is one that is earned (going from 5-12 to 9-12 woof would be applauded).
The extremely rare “foow” is used when you woof and then regret it and try to walk it back as if it never happened. This is a joke and has never been seriously employed[citation needed]