wah

WAH is an acronym or initialism that can refer to several terms across different fields. Because its meaning depends on context, there is no single universal definition for WAH.

In music and audio technology, wah or wah-wah describes a time-varying filter effect that modifies a guitar’s or other instrument’s tone to produce a vocal-like “wah” sound. The effect is commonly implemented with a foot-operated pedal or programmable device, sweeping a peak frequency to create the characteristic timbre. The approach gained prominence in the 1960s with the Clyde McCoy wah pedal and has been widely used by rock, funk, and blues players.

In occupational safety, WAH is often used to denote Working At Height, referring to activities conducted above ground level where there is a risk of falling. Practices for WAH include risk assessment, fall protection measures, training, and the use of appropriate equipment such as harnesses and guardrails. Regulations and guidance vary by country and industry, but the aim is to minimize fall-related injuries.

Beyond these uses, WAH appears as an acronym in various organizations, projects, or technical terms, and its meaning can differ substantially by field. When encountering the term, it is important to rely on contextual clues within the document or discourse to determine which meaning applies.