To make a clearing sound in the throat, often used to express doubt, disapproval, or a demand for attention.
Onomatopoeia: a word created to imitate the sound itself. The exact origin is unclear, but it likely emerged in English in the 19th century as a colorful representation of throat-clearing.
Harrumph is pure onomatopoeia—the word sounds like what it means—and it's had a burst of popularity lately thanks to its use in animated shows and comedy, proving that old sound-words can find new life!
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