ahems
Throat-clearing sounds
Ahems is the plural of ahem, the throat-clearing sound used to get attention or express disapproval.
As a verb form, it describes repeated instances of this vocalization: She ahems whenever I say something she disagrees with.
The word captures both the sound itself and the pointed social meaning behind it.
Expulsive throat sounds
- harrumphsGrunts in disapproval
- clearsRemoves or vindicates
- gruntsShort, guttural sounds
- utterancesVocal expressions produced
sounds · noises · exclamations · interjections · vocalizations · murmurs · mutters · splutters
Expression of disappointment
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- criticismJudgment of faults
judgment · displeasure · objection · correction · scolding · chiding · tutting · tsk-tsks
coughs
Expulsive throat sounds
utterances · sounds · noises · exclamations · interjections · vocalizations · murmurs · mutters · splutters · croaks
reproach
Expression of disappointment
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
criticism · judgment · displeasure · objection · correction · scolding · chiding · tutting · tsk-tsks · sniffs
interjections
Emotive verbal outbursts
- interruptionsBreaks in continuity
- signalsConveyed indications
- alertsWarning notifications
warnings · prompts · reminders · nudges · cues · hints · pauses · breaks · disruptions · insertions
ahemsdeclarations
Explicit formal statements
announcements · proclamations · blurts out · blurts · shouts