Hiss

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Hiss

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

hiss  /hɪs/

Definition

As a noun: a sharp sibilant sound like that of a snake, steam escaping from a pipe, or an audience expressing disapproval. As a verb: to make such a sound; to express disapproval by making this sound; to whisper something in an urgent or angry way.

Plain meaning

A hiss is the sharp, sustained 's' sound made by a snake, by steam escaping, or by an audience showing displeasure. To hiss means to make this sound, or to say something in a low, urgent, angry whisper. Audiences that dislike a performance hiss to show contempt.

Register

Neutral to literary. Hiss in its literal sense is neutral and descriptive. In its figurative use — the hiss of disapproval, to hiss instructions in someone's ear — it is more literary and vivid. The sound quality of the word makes it particularly effective in descriptive writing.