tut-tut

[ pronounced as two alveolar clicks; spelling pronunciation tuht-tuht ]

interjection

, tut-tut·ted, tut-tut·ting.

1. tut.

tut-tut

/ ˈtʌtˈtʌt /

interjection

1. an exclamation of mild reprimand, disapproval, or surprise

verb

1. intr to express disapproval by the exclamation of "tut-tut"

noun

1. the act of tut-tutting

Word History and Origins

Origin of tut-tut¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

But it seems fruitless to tut-tut at them about it, since they have been hearing these complaints for decades.

From The Daily Beast

Pundits often tut-tut about how presidential campaigns start too early, long before most Americans care.

From The Daily Beast

At last the footsteps of Nurse could be heard, and over them, the quick 'tut-tut-tuts' that voiced her irritation.

From Project Gutenberg

Wow-wow-wow-wow-wow; tut-tut-tut-tut-tut (and other old-gentleman noises).

From Project Gutenberg

Samson watched his new friend narrowly, whose countenance was profoundly piteous, and his teeth and lip made a "Tut-tut!"

From Project Gutenberg

At intervals nervous machine guns chattered their ghoulish gibberish or tut-tut-ted away chidingly like finicky spinsters.

From Project Gutenberg

The call of the male is often answered by the female with the syllables, tut-tut, not unlike a clucking chicken.

From Project Gutenberg