humph

Meanings

1. 1
   intj

   a closed-mouth grunt expressing doubt, annoyance, contempt, or disapproval

   "Humph!" she said, clearly unconvinced by his explanation.

2. 2
   verb

   to utter a humph or speak in a tone of doubt or disapproval

   He humphed at the proposal and turned back to his newspaper.

An imitative formation representing a closed-mouth grunt. The verb developed directly from the interjection: to humph is to make that sound or to deliver words with its doubtful or contemptuous tone.

Topics

External links

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• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary