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to humph

to humph

1 8.9
To make a short low sound to show disapproval or doubt
  • verb
  • /hʌmf/
  • Informal
translation icon : humph
  • Yang humphed again, clearly irritated by the sudden change in plans.

Examples

  • Celia humphed softly, expressing her doubt about the decision being made.

  • "Jaxom humphed and felt Sharra's hand ruffling his hair."

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Eliza humphed when she saw the cover.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Karla humphed and turned her attention to the scenery.

    Blog text (28)
  • "Dan humphed."

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Eliza made a low sound of disapproval, humphing when she saw the cover.

Synonyms

to grunt
vsto humph
355 4.2

To make a short low sound to show effort, pain, or dislike

is a social low sound meant to express irritation or doubt rather than effort
to hiss
vsto humph
31 4.2

To speak in a low, sharp voice to show anger or warn someone

is a short low vocalisation for mild disapproval rather than a sharp sibilant
to tut
vsto humph
3 9.6

Make a short, quiet sound with the tongue to show disapproval

is a low vocal sound used for irritation or doubt rather than a click
to tsk
vsto humph
  • Informal
2 9.9

To make a short click with the tongue to show disapproval

is a low voiced sound rather than a sharp tongue click of disapproval
harrumph
vsto humph
  • Archaic
1 9.2

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

is a quieter low sound used mainly to signal mild disapproval or doubt
to pfft
vsto humph
  • Informal
1 9.9

To make a short sound by blowing air through the lips to show disbelief

is voiced as a low vowelish sound expressing disapproval or doubt rather than blowing
to tut-tut
vsto humph
1 9.1

Make a short clicking sound with the tongue to show you do not approve

signals dislike or doubt using a low voiced sound not a tongue click
to hmph
vsto humph
  • Informal
9.9

To make a short sound to show annoyance or doubt

is the same short low sound but used for irritation or doubt
to humpf
vsto humph
  • Informal
9.9

To make a short sound to show annoyance or doubt

leans more to a brief vocal sound used to show disapproval
to pffft
vsto humph
  • Informal
9.9

To make a short sound to show disbelief or no interest

is a low voiced sound used for irritation or doubt rather than a blow
to phoo
vsto humph
  • UK
9.9

To make a short sound showing dislike or disbelief

is a quieter low sound used mainly as a brief sign of disapproval
to sizz
vsto humph
9.9

To make a sharp hissing sound to show disapproval

uses a low muffled sound for irritation rather than a sharp hiss
to sibilate
vsto humph
9.9

To make a hissing sound like s or sh when speaking

is a plain low sound used to express irritation or doubt rather than sibilance

Antonyms

205 1.0

A loud shout people make to show approval or support

How Disapproving

to scoff
57 6.5
to snort
52 3.7
to humph
  • Informal
1 8.9
to tut
3 9.6

Surface Forms

humph infinitive
humphd past
humphd past participle
humphing present participle
humphs third person singular

Etymology

Humph as a verb comes from making that little snort, like hmpf, to show you are annoyed or doubtful. So to humph is to make that sound to show 'disagreement' or 'irritation'.