Verb / Interjection | Disapproval / Sound Expression
Encyclopedia of British Slang
TUT
Verb / Interjection | Neutral | Disapproval / Sound Expression
TUT Pronunciation: /t?t/ Part of Speech: Verb / Interjection Severity Level: Neutral Category: Disapproval / Sound Expression
Core Definition
Tut represents:
A clicking sound expressing mild disapproval
A quiet reprimand
Linguistic Origins
Imitative of the sound made by pressing tongue to teeth.
Recorded in English since the 16th century.
Usage Contexts
Reaction:
Tut, tut.
Observation:
She tutted.
It signals restrained judgement.
Emotional Register
Tut is subtle.
Passive-aggressive at times.
Final Assessment
Tut captures polite disapproval.
Audibly.
EXPANDED ENTRY 224
Alan Nafzger was born in Lubbock, Texas, the son Swiss immigrants. He grew up on a dairy in Windthorst, north central Texas. He earned degrees from Midwestern State University (B.A. 1985) and Texas State University (M.A. 1987). University College Dublin (Ph.D. 1991). Dr. Nafzger has entertained and educated young people in Texas colleges for 37 years. Nafzger is best known for his dark novels and experimental screenwriting. His best know scripts to date are Lenin’s Body, produced in Russia by A-Media and Sea and Sky produced in The Philippines in the Tagalog language. In 1986, Nafzger wrote the iconic feminist western novel, Gina of Quitaque. He currently lives in Holloway, North London. Contact: [email protected]
