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.”

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

More About Tsk

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.

Where does tsk come from?

The first records of the term tsk to describe the sound come from around the 1940s. Tsk is an onomatopoeia for the sound that is usually made with an alveolar click or hiss. 

Tsk is closely related to the interjection tut, which is also used to express contempt or disdain and can mean “for shame.” Tsk and tut are often used interchangeably. Someone who is condescending can be described as tsking and tutting. Both tsk and tut are made by pushing air through the tongue and the alveolar ridge, the ridge at the top of the mouth which contains the tooth sockets.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to tsk?

• tsk tsk (interjection)

What are some synonyms for tsk?

• tut
• tut-tut

What are some words that often get used in discussing tsk?

• anger
• disappointed
• disapprove
• rude

How is tsk used in real life?

Tsk is almost always used to show disappointment or regret in someone or something.

Imagine hating on domestic travel when New Orleans exists. Tsk. Lack of taste, I see. Elitism ruining your taste.

— trudy (@thetrudz) May 18, 2021

Jamaica was robbed tsk tsk tsk. Is that the first time in #MissUniverse that the BOOs were that loud?

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) January 26, 2015

I guess that person just wanted to get my attention and he/she did. Sadly, it backfired. Tsk tsk. Anyways… moving on…

— jedmadela ⁷ (@jedmadela) October 23, 2020

Try using tsk!

True or False?

You might tsk someone when you’re happy with their actions.