humph

Examples

• All

• Grillparzer squinted under the flickering light and snorted, "Humph, tell her that it is absolutely impossible."

  Fiction book (2002)

• After hearing the news, she replied with a humph, unsure of what to say next.

• Crusher made a humph sound.

  Fiction book (1992)

• "Humph, they originally came from Earth," he muttered.

  Fiction book (1991)

• "Humph," he said and frowned.

  Fiction book (1993)

• Aunt June: Humph, that ain't gonna last long.

  Fiction book (1993)

• "Humph, I wonder if she cared," Annie Ruth said.

  Fiction book (1993)

• "I thought you two would get along," Jill said, and added with a humph, "but I didn't think you'd get along this well."

  Fiction book (1997)

• "Unable to think of any more arguments, Vera picked up the empty glass and took it with her into the kitchen, a dissatisfied "Humph" hanging in the air behind her.

  Fiction book (1992)

• "Humph," she said, showing her disapproval of the decision.

Synonyms

G

groan

vshumph

233 1.9

A low unhappy sound showing pain, discomfort or dislike

is briefer and less mournful focusing on quick disapproval or doubt

H

hissing

vshumph

44 2.6

A long sharp s sound made by animals, objects, or people to show disapproval

is a brief low sound not a sustained sharp noise

M

mutter

vshumph

18 4.4

A low quiet complaint that people say so others cannot hear

is nonverbal and brief rather than a quiet spoken complaint

M

murmuring

vshumph

9 5.9

A quiet complaint said softly by people who disagree

is a single short sound not continuous soft complaining

H

harrumph

vshumph

• Archaic

1 9.2

A short gruff sound that comes from clearing the throat to show annoyance or doubt

is a purer short low sound without throat clearing

M

mhm

vshumph

• Informal

1 9.9

A short sound people use to show doubt or disbelief

is a short low sound mainly showing simple disapproval or irritation

A

argh

vshumph

• Informal

1 9.8

A short sound that shows frustration or annoyance

is calmer and lower expressing disapproval or doubt not anger

P

phoo

vshumph

• UK

1 9.9

A short sound showing dislike or disbelief

is lower and less sharp a short sound rather than an exclamation

R

razz

vshumph

• Informal

1 9.9

A sound made to make fun of someone, like a raspberry

is a subtler low sound showing private disapproval not open mockery

H

humpf

vshumph

• Informal

9.9

A short snort people make to show doubt or dislike

is the same short low sound used to show disapproval or doubt

G

groan of frustration

vshumph

4.4

A deep sound people make when they are annoyed or disappointed

is shorter and crisper expressing quick disapproval rather than sustained upset

M

moan of frustration

vshumph

4.5

A low sound people make when they feel annoyed or disappointed

is a quicker low sound used for brief disapproval or doubt

How Disapproving

humph

• Informal

4 9.1

tut

13 8.8

Surface Forms

Etymology