harrumphn.
/haˈrʌmf/ Chiefly U.S.
A guttural sound made by clearing the throat. Also figurative. So as v., to make this sound; to speak in a rasping or guttural voice; to make a comment implying disapproval.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > disapprove [verb (intransitive)] > express disapproval by sound or exclamation
hoota1225
hissa1425
hem and hawk1588
catcall1735
cluck1821
tut1832
fie-fie1836
boo1855
harrumph1936
tsk-tsk1966
steups1967
the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > speak in a particular manner [verb (intransitive)] > hoarsely
roupa1425
roopa1572
croak1609
harrumph1936
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > quality of voice > [verb (intransitive)] > utter in hoarse voice
roupa1425
roopa1572
croak1609
harrumph1936
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > other vocal sounds > [noun] > hawking
hawk1604
harrumph1936
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > other vocal sounds > [verb (intransitive)] > hem
hem1470
hem and hawk1588
harrumph1936
1936 ‘J. Tey’ Shilling for Candles iv. 34 ‘Howdyudo. Harrump!’ He cleared his throat.
1941 Time 16 June 29/2 This touching appeal evoked a harrumph from the New York Times.
1942 N.Y. Herald Tribune Books 11 Jan. 13 He seems to be a figure of fun, with his..fairly continuous harrumphing.
1943 Time 11 Oct. 86 The State Department harrumphed and other U.S. oil companies stood on their legal, unenforceable rights.
1957 Time 2 Sept. 23/2 Harrumphed one official: ‘The best way of putting it would be to say at this point we are tolerant of Dr. Nkrumah's actions.’
1965 G. McInnes Road to Gundagai ii. 33 The Captain harrumphed.
1967 New Yorker 25 Feb. 99 My goodness, Henry, you're much too young to be going har-rumph, har-rumph all the time!
1970 Times Lit. Suppl. 29 Jan. 113 Across the room he'd go, singing and harrumphing.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1976; most recently modified version published online December 2020).
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n.1936