tut-tuts
Expresses mild reproach
Tut-tuts is a verb meaning to make sounds or remarks of disapproval, impatience, or mild reproach: The neighbors tut-tutted about the unkempt lawn.
The word imitates the clicking sound made with the tongue against the teeth—a near-universal signal of displeasure.
As a noun, tut-tuts are those sounds or the criticisms themselves.
Hen's vocal noise
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- chidingVoicing mild disapproval
rebuke · criticism · finger-wagging · censure · reproof · tsking · condemnation · frowning
Making short sharp sounds
- cluckingHen's vocal noise
- tskingClicking tongue in disapproval
- tongueOral muscle for taste
- teethEnamel-covered chewing structures
sucking · palate · aspirated · dental · alveolar · onomatopoeia · vocalization · utterance
Reducing to smallest extent
- trivializingDiminishing perceived significance
- pooh-poohsDismisses with contempt
- scoffsExpresses mocking disbelief
- downplayingDiminishing perceived significance
belittling · patronizing · condescending · discounting · sniffing · unimpressed · disdain · dismissive
clucking
Hen's vocal noise
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
chiding · rebuke · criticism · finger-wagging · censure · reproof · tsking · condemnation · frowning · lecturing
clicking
Making short sharp sounds
teeth · sucking · palate · aspirated · dental · alveolar · onomatopoeia · vocalization · utterance · exclamation
minimizing
Reducing to smallest extent
- trivializingDiminishing perceived significance
- pooh-poohsDismisses with contempt
- scoffsExpresses mocking disbelief
downplaying · belittling · patronizing · condescending · discounting · sniffing · unimpressed · disdain · dismissive · naysaying
- disapprovaldisapproval, scowl, disapprove, disapproves, frown