tsk-tsking
Tongue-clicking in judgment
Tsk-tsking is making the tsk-tsk sound—a clicking of the tongue against the teeth that signals disapproval or reproach.
The word usually describes the action rather than transcribes the sound: She stood there tsk-tsking at the mess.
It suggests mild, often self-righteous criticism: The neighbors were tsk-tsking about the overgrown lawn.
Making short sharp sounds
- tongueOral muscle for taste
- tuttingClicking tongue disapprovingly
- frowningFacial expression of displeasure
- side-eyeContemptuous sideways glance
scowling · eye-rolling · sighing · huffing · sniffing · clucking · finger-wagging · harrumphing
Express sharp disapproval
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- chidingVoicing mild disapproval
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- reproofExpression of blame
lecture · correction · criticism · censure · reprimand · upbraiding · telling-off · nagging
Severe moral criticism
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- censoriousnessExcessive tendency to criticize
- holier-than-thouSmugly moralistic toward others
- self-righteousSmugly certain of correctness
priggish · preachy · smugness · superiority · haughtiness · snobbishness · prudishness · pearl-clutching
clicking
Making short sharp sounds
- tongueOral muscle for taste
- tuttingClicking tongue disapprovingly
- frowningFacial expression of displeasure
side-eye · scowling · eye-rolling · sighing · huffing · sniffing · clucking · finger-wagging · harrumphing · grimacing
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- chidingVoicing mild disapproval
- reproachExpression of disappointment
reproof · lecture · correction · criticism · censure · reprimand · upbraiding · telling-off · nagging · hectoring
disapprobation
Severe moral criticism
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- censoriousnessExcessive tendency to criticize
- holier-than-thouSmugly moralistic toward others
self-righteous · priggish · preachy · smugness · superiority · haughtiness · snobbishness · prudishness · pearl-clutching · busybody
- reproachesblaming, scolding, rebuking, reprimanding, censuring
- preachingsermonizing, homiletics, altar call, scripture reading, closing prayer
tsk-tskingpraising
Voicing admiration
applauding · commending · cheering · lauding · congratulating
tsk-tskingencouraging
Giving confidence or hope
supporting · comforting · consoling · sympathizing · reassuring
tsk-tskingencouraging
Giving confidence or hope
supporting · cheering on · rooting for · championing · boosting