Hiss
/hɪs/noun
To make a sharp sibilant sound, especially like a snake; also, to express disapproval with such a sound.
Did you know?English has been using forms of this snake-like sound since Old English, and the word’s power comes from pure imitation: a sound that feels like threat became a verb for menace and contempt.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
hīsan
“to hiss or make a hissing sound”
Middle English
ME
hissen
“to hiss, as a snake or in disapproval”
Late Middle English
ME
hissh
“a hissing sound”
Modern English
EN
hiss
“to make a sharp sibilant sound; to express contempt or disapproval”