pssst

Sibilant attention grab

Pssst is a hissing sound used to get someone's attention discreetly, often whispered to avoid being overheard by others: Pssst, over here!

The spelling attempts to capture the sibilant, breathy quality of the sound.

It typically signals that the speaker wants a private word or is about to share something confidential.

attention

whisper

Speech without full voice

hushAbsence of sound
signalMessage-conveying cue
nudgeGentle push to prompt

alert · beckon · summon · notify · cue · prompt · heads-up · hey · oi · yoo-hoo

secrecy

confidential

Meant to stay secret

hush-hushHighly confidential matter
privateRestricted to certain parties
discreetCareful to avoid notice

covert · clandestine · off-the-record · classified · secret · insider · quiet · mum · shhh · hidden

gossip

rumor

Unconfirmed circulating story

whisperSpeech without full voice
murmurSoft, indistinct continuous sound
hintIndirect suggestion

tip-off · leak · scoop · word · buzz · grapevine · hearsay · lowdown · dirt · juicy

conspiratorial

scheme

Calculated strategy, often secretive

plotStoryline or land parcel
colludeSecretly cooperate to deceive
intrigueSecret plotting or fascination

cabal · connive · accomplice · wink · nod · complicity · smuggle · sneaky · furtive · sly

Categories

attention soundsahem, hey, yo, yoo-hoo, oi
Beckoning phrasescome here, over here, this way, follow me, come closer

Opposites

volume/audibility

pssstshout

Loud vocal outburst

yell · scream · bellow · roar · holler

secrecy/discretion

pssstpublic announcement

Official communication to all

proclamation · broadcast · declaration · public address · announcement

formality of address

pssstformal introduction

Structured first meeting

ladies and gentlemen · excuse me · dear sir or madam · ahem

Family

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G