きゃっ

わあN5sense 1
きゃっ is a sharp, often high-pitched shriek typically triggered by sudden fright or a jolt of feeling, while わあ is a broader exclamation of surprise, joy, or admiration.
うわ sense 1
きゃっ tends to sound more feminine or startled (often a scream), whereas うわっ is a gender-neutral gasp of shock used by anyone.

Written forms

きゃっUsage13%
Common hiragana spelling for the interjection expressing surprise, pain, or excitement.
キャーUsage24%
Longer katakana variant, common for screams or excited exclamations.
キャッUsage21%
Katakana variant, often used for emphasis or in manga.
きゃあUsage17%
Longer hiragana form; also used for the monkey screech and slang senses.
ぎゃあUsage12%
Voiced variant, often for louder or more intense screams.
ギャーUsage6%
Voiced katakana variant, common in manga for loud screams.
ギャッUsage4%
Voiced short katakana variant.
ぎゃっUsage2%
Voiced short variant, less common but possible.
キャアUsage<1%
ギャアUsage<1%

Etymology

Mimetic word; the interjection imitates a sharp, high-pitched cry. The voiced variants (ぎゃあ etc.) suggest a louder or more guttural sound. The slang sense is likely an extension of the screech meaning, used as a code word.