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

“Tsk. None of that. Mind your business. They're here to make sure everything goes smoothly,” Mama replied.

From Literature

This time around it was a soft tsk.

From Reuters

They continued, "I see already that you have flooded 657 Boulevard with contractors so that you can destroy the house as it was supposed to be. Tsk, tsk, tsk . . . bad move. You don't want to make 657 Boulevard unhappy."

From Salon

Normally I’d tsk the ever-living heck out of an orchestra for repeating themselves and foregoing an opportunity to try something new, but this “Vltava” was kilometers away from the flattened surface of the Wolf Trap performance.

From Washington Post

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 Seattle Times