tsk
tsk Lexical Profile
tsk Game Scores & Validity
• interjection
Used (often in the reduplicated form 'tsk-tsk') to express mild disapproval, reproach, annoyance, or sympathetic pity.
"Tsk, you really should have checked the schedule before booking the tickets."
• noun
A sharp sucking click of the tongue against the roof of the mouth or upper teeth, uttered to express disapproval, impatience, or dismay.
"She let out an audible tsk as she surveyed the messy kitchen counter."
• verb
To make a clicking sound with the tongue to express disapproval, irritation, or sympathy.
"The librarian tsked softly when the students continued whispering near the study desks."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although often pronounced in speech as a sharp dental click rather than a spelled-out syllable, 'tsk' is also sometimes articulated literally as /tɪsk/ when read aloud or used for ironic emphasis.
• Rhymes for tsk
Word Origin & Etymology
An imitative spelling introduced in the mid-19th century to represent the non-lexical alveolar or dental click sound made by drawing the tongue sharply away from the roof of the mouth behind the upper teeth.