Harumph: meaning, definitions and examples
😒
harumph
[ həˈrʌmf ]
expressing discontent
Harumph is an exclamation used to express discontent, dissatisfaction, or skepticism. It often implies a sense of annoyance or disapproval.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Harumph! I can't believe they overlooked my contributions.
- When the proposal was rejected, she let out a loud harumph.
- He cleared his throat and said, harumph, as if to signal his disagreement.
Translations
Translations of the word "harumph" in other languages:
🇵🇹 hm
- hum
- grunhido
🇮🇳 हं
- हुम
- गड़गड़ाहट
🇩🇪 hmpf
- hm
- grummeln
🇮🇩 hm
- huh
- gerutu
🇺🇦 гм
- гм-м
- бурчання
🇵🇱 hm
- hmm
- mruczenie
🇯🇵 ん
- ふん
- むっつり
🇫🇷 hm
- humpf
- grommellement
🇪🇸 hm
- huh
- gruñido
🇹🇷 hm
- hımm
- mırıldanma
🇰🇷 흠
- 흠
- 투덜거림
🇸🇦 همم
- هم
- زئير
🇨🇿 hm
- hmm
- brblání
🇸🇰 hm
- hmm
- mrmlenie
🇨🇳 嗯
- 哼
- 嘟囔
🇸🇮 hm
- huh
- mrmljenje
🇮🇸 hm
- huh
- murmur
🇰🇿 хм
- гм
- ырылдау
🇬🇪 ჰმ
- ჰჰ
- ბუზღუ
🇦🇿 hm
- hımm
- mırıldanma
🇲🇽 hm
- huh
- gruñido
Etymology
The term 'harumph' likely has its roots in the mid-19th century, originating in American English. The term is often used to convey a sense of gruffness or discontent, typically associated with a grumpy or disapproving attitude. The exact word seems to be a variant of 'humph', which itself is used to express doubt or disdain. The playful vocalization emphasizes the sound, perhaps mimicking a dismissive snort or grunt. Over the years, 'harumph' has found its way into literature, film, and common speech, often used humorously to signal mild irritation or critical skepticism. As society evolved, the term retained its place in colloquial dialogue, frequently used to characterize a humorous or exaggerated form of indignation.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,433, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.
- ...
- 43430 torridity
- 43431 charioting
- 43432 illiterately
- 43433 harumph
- 43434 foxily
- 43435 grubbily
- 43436 fishily
- ...