An interjection expressing doubt, disapproval, skepticism, contempt, or defiance, often delivered with a slightly pursed lip and a dismissive tone. It can also indicate annoyance, surprise, or a begrudging acknowledgment. The sound produced is typically a short, guttural expulsion of air, serving as a verbal equivalent of a scoff or a silent eye roll. It is a versatile utterance, its meaning heavily dependent on the context and the speaker's intonation. A 'Hmph' can shut down a conversation, challenge a statement, or simply express a negative emotional response. The intention is often to communicate a lack of enthusiasm or agreement. The volume and tone are generally moderate to low.
Hmph meaning with examples
- When Sarah's brother claimed he'd completed all his chores, Sarah crossed her arms and let out a curt 'Hmph'. She knew his track record. His attempt to convince her was clearly transparent. This single syllable communicated her disbelief more effectively than a long argument. She knew he was avoiding work.
- After the judge announced his verdict, the defense attorney responded with a subtle 'Hmph' before collecting his belongings. The subtle sound communicated his disagreement with the judgment, leaving it at that rather than escalating the situation. The expression reflected a guarded, if passive-aggressive, disapproval.
- As the waiter delivered the lukewarm soup, the customer muttered a barely audible 'Hmph'. He had been anticipating the taste, a warm meal. This communicated his dissatisfaction regarding the poor service and his disappointment regarding the food. He did not want to cause a scene in public.
- The candidate, after hearing his opponent's boastful claim, replied with a slow, deliberate 'Hmph', raising one eyebrow. This short response cast doubt on the veracity of the statement and questioned the validity of the opponent's self-praise. The expression, therefore, was clear.
- The new team member boasted he was the fastest and most innovative on the project and the others released a joint, disbelieving 'Hmph'. This expressed a collective sense of incredulity towards the claim and its overblown self-assessment. It also implied that his performance should be seen before evaluation.
- Upon seeing the price tag of his preferred item, John responded with a loud 'Hmph'. He was disappointed and would have to adjust. This was a clear expression of his surprise and disagreement to the financial burden, or rather, his shock at the cost of the purchase.
- When the boss tried to cover up an embarrassing mistake, his subordinate scoffed with a dismissive 'Hmph'. This communicated, in a very direct way, his immediate skepticism about the excuse and suggested the subordinate saw straight through the boss's efforts.
- Following the announcement of a ridiculous new rule, several employees made a combined 'Hmph', and were subsequently given a stern look by their superiors. It indicated the employees' open defiance and showed their collective discontent with the new change in policy.
- After being told they had to leave, and having nowhere to go, the person responded with a sorrowful 'Hmph'. This was a sigh of desperation to show their lack of joy or other such emotion, due to a perceived injustice in their world.
- When his friend told him that he was making a bad choice by not attending the meeting, he made a begrudging 'Hmph'. It was a passive acknowledgement. It was therefore his agreement to his friend's argument.
- After being asked to leave, the individual responded with a silent, stoic 'Hmph'. It therefore communicated his disbelief and skepticism regarding the instructions he had been given.
- The man was attempting to finish a task when his assistant, seeing the situation, gave a sympathetic, encouraging 'Hmph'. This showed their shared sense of agreement, and was used in a helpful way.