harumph
Disapproving throat noise
Harumph is a grunt of disapproval, skepticism, or pompous displeasure—the sound someone makes when clearing their throat to signal annoyance or disagreement.
As a verb, to harumph is to make this sound or express grumpy disapproval: The old senator harumphed at the proposal.
The word captures self-important huffiness.
Disapproving exclamation
reproach · disdain · condemnation · censure · criticism · objection · scorn · rebuke
Speak low and indistinctly
- murmurSoft, indistinct continuous sound
- complainExpress discontent verbally
- gripeVoice minor displeasure
- moanLow vocal complaint
grouse · growl · grunt · snort · kvetch · carp · fuss · bluster
Affectedly grand in manner
- blusteryWildly, coldly windy
- indignantAngered by unfairness
- self-importantExaggerating one's own significance
- fuddy-duddyOld-fashioned, overly fussy person
curmudgeon · stodgy · huffy · prissy · prim · stuffy · officious · blowhard
tut
Disapproving exclamation
huff · reproach · disdain · condemnation · censure · criticism · objection · scorn · rebuke · frown
mutter
Speak low and indistinctly
- murmurSoft, indistinct continuous sound
- complainExpress discontent verbally
- gripeVoice minor displeasure
moan · grouse · growl · grunt · snort · kvetch · carp · fuss · bluster · sputter
pompous
Affectedly grand in manner
- blusteryWildly, coldly windy
- indignantAngered by unfairness
- self-importantExaggerating one's own significance
fuddy-duddy · curmudgeon · stodgy · huffy · prissy · prim · stuffy · officious · blowhard · stuffed shirt
- throat-clearing soundsahem, cough, throat clear, hem