mhmm
Listener's soft assent
Mhmm is a sound of agreement, acknowledgment, or encouragement to continue—the vocalized equivalent of nodding.
It confirms you're listening without interrupting: Mhmm, go on.
The spelling varies: mm-hmm, mmhmm, uh-huh.
Tone matters—a flat mhmm can signal skepticism or disbelief rather than agreement.
Brief head tilt
- listeningAttending to sound
- attentivePaying close notice
- heardPerceived by ear
- receivingAcquiring what's sent
following · tracking · registering · noting · gotcha · uh-huh · mm · yep
Opposite of no
- yepLaid-back assent
- sureFree from uncertainty
- okayAdequate or permitted
- rightMorally proper or entitled
absolutely · definitely · indeed · concur · assent · approval · affirm · confirm
Expression of apathy
- disinterestedFree from personal stakes
- boredLacking interest or engagement
- tuned-outNot paying attention
- perfunctoryDone with minimal effort
half-listening · distracted · indifferent · unimpressed · brush-off · passive · detached · absent
Uncertain of truth
- unconvincedNot yet believing
- suspiciousInclined to distrust
- hesitantSlow to act
- sarcasticMockingly insincere in tone
ironic · disbelief · dubious · questioning · wary · guarded · reserved · noncommittal
nod
Brief head tilt
receiving · following · tracking · registering · noting · gotcha · uh-huh · mm · yep · okay
yes
Opposite of no
right · absolutely · definitely · indeed · concur · assent · approval · affirm · confirm · exactly
whatever
Expression of apathy
- disinterestedFree from personal stakes
- boredLacking interest or engagement
- tuned-outNot paying attention
perfunctory · half-listening · distracted · indifferent · unimpressed · brush-off · passive · detached · absent · autopilot
doubtful
Uncertain of truth
- unconvincedNot yet believing
- suspiciousInclined to distrust
- hesitantSlow to act
sarcastic · ironic · disbelief · dubious · questioning · wary · guarded · reserved · noncommittal · side-eye
suggestive
Hinting at impropriety
playful · sly · wink · smirk · interested · approving · appreciative · attracted · intrigued · flattered