tsk

spelling pronunciation tsk·tsk

[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.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of tsk¹

First recorded in 1935–40; of expressive origin

Example Sentences

Rivera drolly recalled the tsking of matinee ladies at the song’s mildly naughty lyrics.

From Los Angeles Times

This time around it was a soft tsk.

From Reuters

When he requested time off for his grandfather’s funeral, something he felt would have prompted a “tsk, tsk” at Applebee’s, he was told that his company offers bereavement leave.

From New York Times

Once we’re on an elevator, Lucy gives us a “Tsk, tsk, someone’s being naughty.”

From Literature

They have noticed some divisions within the world of canal boating — for example, when an older couple with a flashy boat tsked and tutted as they made their way a little clumsily through a lock.

From New York Times

When To Use

What does tsk mean?

Tsk is an interjection used to express contempt or disdain, as in Tsk, tsk, that party was so exciting after all.Tsk can also mean for shame, as in Tsk, I can’t believe you ate the whole pie!As an interjection, tsk can be used as an isolated phrase separate from a sentence. It is often used repeatedly in quick succession, as in tsk tsk or tsk tsk tsk. Tsk can also refer to a usage of tsk, usually to reference people’s chides or negative remarks, as in Wanna’s tsks are often about how food looks on a plate.To tsk means to say tsk, often to describe someone who is criticizing something or someone by using tsk.Example: Lamonte’s teacher tsked him for coming to class late.