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Shush Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shush

[ʃʊʃ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

be quiet

To shush means to tell someone to be quiet or to make a 'shhh' sound in order to silence them or calm them down. It is often used in situations where someone is being too loud or disruptive.

Synonyms

hush, quiet, silence.

Examples of usage

  • Please shush during the movie, so that others can enjoy it.
  • The librarian had to shush the noisy students in the library.
  • Don't shush me while I'm trying to explain something important.
  • Why did you shush me? I was just trying to ask a question.
  • Shushing is a common way to quiet a noisy room.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The iconic phrase 'Shh... we're stalking stuff' from the popular TV show 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' humorously captures the essence of being quiet.
  • In many films, characters use 'shush' for comedic effect to highlight the contrast between noise and silence.

Psychology

  • Telling someone to 'shush' can evoke a feeling of control over their environment, making silence a social cue.
  • Silence has been studied as an important aspect of communication; sometimes, it speaks louder than words.

Education

  • 'Shush' is often taught to young children as a polite way to encourage quiet in group settings or classrooms.
  • Educators commonly use calming sounds like 'shush' to manage noise levels and foster focus during lessons.

Linguistics

  • The sound of 'shush' falls under a category of onomatopoeic words, which imitate the sounds associated with actions or objects.
  • In some languages, different words are used to convey the same idea, showcasing cultural variations in expressing the need for quiet.

Origin of 'shush'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shush' dates back to the early 20th century and is believed to imitate the sound made to quiet someone.
  • Similar sounds have been used in various languages, emphasizing the instinctive need for silence in social situations.

The word 'shush' is believed to have originated as an onomatopoeic representation of the sound made when quieting someone. It is a relatively modern word, first recorded in the early 20th century. The concept of using a sound to indicate silence or stillness has been present in various cultures throughout history, but 'shush' specifically emerged in English as a way to quickly and effectively communicate the need for quiet.

See also: hush, hushed.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,655, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.