Pssst
/psːt/noun
An interjection used to attract someone’s attention quietly or signal secrecy.
Did you know?Pssst is an imitative interjection rather than a word descended from an ancient root, showing how written language can preserve a human sound almost directly.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
English
psst
“A written representation of a hissing or whisper-like sound used to attract attention.”
Late 19th Century
English
psst!
“An interjection calling someone discreetly or urgently.”
Early 20th Century
English
psst
“A conventionalized form appearing in dialogue and informal writing.”
Modern English
English
pssst
“An extended spelling emphasizing duration, secrecy, or urgency.”