ahem

== English == === Alternative forms === ehem === Etymology === Onomatopoeic. === Pronunciation === [ʔm.ʔmː] with tense voice; also [mˈm̥m] ; also IPA(key): /əˈhɛm/ Rhymes: -ɛm === Interjection === ahem (onomatopoeia) The sound of a quiet cough or of clearing one's throat. Demanding attention. Expresses disapproval or annoyance. Indicates the speaker does not wish to be perceived as rude, often intimating an impolite meaning to a third party that the speaker is not addressing. Indicates subtle sarcasm, polite lying, or euphemism. Indicates an inappropriate pun. ==== Synonyms ==== (exclamation to get attention): See Thesaurus:hey (expression of disapproval): See Thesaurus:tut tut ==== Translations ==== === Verb === ahem (third-person singular simple present ahems, present participle ahemming, simple past and past participle ahemmed) To cough or clear one's throat so as to draw attention. === References === === Anagrams === HEMA, Hema, Mahé, ah me, haem, haem-, hame, heam, hæm-