humph
See also: Humph
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
A natural utterance, first recorded in the mid-16th century.
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 333: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /hʌmf/, /h(ə)mf/
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 333: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "US" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /hʌmf/, /h(ə)mf/, [hʌmf], [h(ɪ̈)mf]
Interjection
humph!
- Used to express doubt or disapproval
- 1913 Eleanor Porter: Pollyanna: Chapter 8:
- "There!" panted Pollyanna, hastily plucking a pink from a vase near by and tucking it into the dark hair where it would give the best effect. "Now I reckon we're ready to be looked at!" And she held out the mirror in triumph.
"Humph!" grunted the sick woman, eyeing her reflection severely. "I like red pinks better than pink ones; but then, it'll fade, anyhow, before night, so what's the difference!"
- "There!" panted Pollyanna, hastily plucking a pink from a vase near by and tucking it into the dark hair where it would give the best effect. "Now I reckon we're ready to be looked at!" And she held out the mirror in triumph.
- 1913 Eleanor Porter: Pollyanna: Chapter 8:
Synonyms
Translations
used to express doubt or disapproval
Verb
humph (third-person singular simple present humphs, present participle humphing, simple past and past participle humphed)
- (intransitive) To utter "humph!" in doubt or disapproval.