tsk

[ pronounced as an alveolar click; spelling pronunciation tisk ]

interjection
  1. (used, often in quick repetition, as an exclamation of contempt, disdain, impatience, etc.)

  2. for shame!

noun
  1. an exclamation of “tsk.”

verb (used without object)
  1. to utter the exclamation “tsk.”

Origin of tsk

1
First recorded in 1935–40; of expressive origin
  • Also tsk·tsk [pronounced as two alveolar clicks; spelling pronunciation tisk-tisk] /pronounced as two alveolar clicks; spelling pronunciation ˈtɪskˈtɪsk/ .

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use tsk in a sentence

  • Wherever you go there will be people tsk-tsking about the Preliminary fiasco.

    The Junkmakers | Albert R. Teichner