HUMMED HAW Meaning and
Definition
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"Hummed haw" is a colloquial phrase that refers to a hesitant or indecisive manner of speaking or deliberating. It is derived from the vocal sounds made while humming and hawing, which typically manifest as intermittent murmurs or unclear utterances. These vocalizations are often produced unconsciously and signify uncertainty or doubt in one's thoughts or words.
The phrase is commonly used to describe someone who is hesitant or unsure about making a decision or answering a question. When a person hums and haws, they may pause frequently or engage in verbal fillers like "um" or "uh," creating a sense of hesitation or delay in their response. This behavior can stem from various reasons, including a lack of confidence in one's own judgment, a desire to carefully weigh options before making a choice, or simply a habituated style of speech.
"Humming and hawing" is generally considered a non-conclusive way of communicating, as it prolongs the process of reaching a clear decision or expressing a concise thought. While it can be a natural response in certain situations that require careful consideration, frequent use of this hesitant mannerism may frustrate others, as it hampers effective communication and productivity.
Overall, "humming and hawing" refers to the act of speaking in an uncertain and wavering manner, characterized by pauses, and typically indicates a lack of decisiveness or clarity in one's thoughts or speech.
Common Misspellings for HUMMED HAW
- gummed haw
- bummed haw
- nummed haw
- jummed haw
- uummed haw
- yummed haw
- hymmed haw
- hhmmed haw
- hjmmed haw
- himmed haw
- h8mmed haw
- h7mmed haw
- hunmed haw
- hukmed haw
- hujmed haw
- humned haw
- humked haw
- humjed haw
- hummwd haw
- hummsd haw
Etymology of HUMMED HAW
The phrase "hummed haw" does not have an etymology on its own. However, its components have separate etymologies.
"Hum" comes from the Middle English word "hummelen", which meant to make a low, murmuring sound. It is vaguely imitative of the sound it describes.
"Haw", on the other hand, comes from the Old English word "haga", which meant an enclosure or a piece of land enclosed by hedges or fences. Over time, it also came to mean stopping or hesitating during speech, particularly in the form of "hemming and hawing", referring to the sounds a person makes while uncertain or indecisive.
When combined, "hummed haw" does not have a specific meaning or etymology beyond the sum of its parts.
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