Shh

A vocalization used to signal a request or demand for silence, or to express secrecy. It serves primarily as a non-verbal communication, and can range in intensity and nuance depending on context and audience. It often indicates a desire for quiet, to prevent a disturbance, or to keep information confidential. It may also be used to soothe or calm someone, such as a baby. The effectiveness of 'shh' relies on the recognition of its meaning by those it is directed towards, which makes it a cross-cultural non-verbal form of communication.

Shh meaning with examples

• The librarian gave a stern 'shh' when a group of children began to giggle loudly. She wanted to maintain the quiet atmosphere necessary for studying, and keep noise disturbance levels low.
• As the detective crept through the darkened warehouse, he held a finger to his lips and whispered 'shh' to his partner, ensuring they didn't alert any suspects and stayed undetected.
• The parent gently said 'shh' to their crying baby, rocking the child and providing comfort to help calm the baby down and allow it to go to sleep. Their goal was to calm the baby's distress.
• During the secret meeting, the conspirators frequently used 'shh' to prevent eavesdropping from nearby, as each word and syllable could bring their operations to a halt. The secret was very valuable to them.
• When the comedian was about to deliver a punchline, a member of the audience preemptively said 'shh' to the others around, creating anticipation and emphasizing the upcoming joke.