tsk

American  

[tisk] / tɪsk /

spelling pronunciation tsktsk

interjection

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

2. for shame!

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noun

1. an exclamation of “tsk.”

verb (used without object)

1. to utter the exclamation “tsk.”

Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of tsk

First recorded in 1935–40; of expressive origin

Example Sentences

This time around it was a soft tsk.

From Reuters • Dec. 6, 2022

You can tsk tsk this sort of thing but if you do, you are no fun.

From The Guardian • Aug. 14, 2019

There would be nostalgic laughter when he said this, but he would wag a finger at the assembled worthies and go tsk, tsk, tsk.

From The New Yorker • Jul. 22, 2019

The nation will observe Labor Day this coming Monday, allowing millions to enjoy the waning days of summer, as well their last chance to wear white pants without earning a "tsk tsk" from Miss Manners.

From Slate • Sep. 4, 2015

“Such an introduction to New York,” said Tucker, “to land in a pile of dirt in the Times Square subway station. Tsk, tsk, tsk.”

From "The Cricket in Times Square" by George Selden