ahem
ай-ай-ай, ай-яй-яй
tststs
The sound of a quiet cough or of clearing one's throatThe sound of a quiet cough or of clearing one's throat.
/əˈhɛm/
Meaning
5 senses(onomatopoeic)The sound of a quiet cough or of clearing one's throat.
Demanding attention.
Ahem! Could we please get started?
Expresses disapproval or annoyance.
Ahem! In case you didn't notice, I did my share of the work, too.
Indicates the speaker does not wish to be perceived as rude, often intimating an impolite meaning to a third party that the speaker is not addressing.
Indicates subtle sarcasm, polite lying, or euphemism.
I really (ahem!) liked the chocolate broccoli surprise.
Indicates an unintentional or inappropriate pun.