tch, int.
Also tchk, tcht.
A representation of the dental click (freq. reduplicated) used to express vexation (cf. tchick n., tck int., tut int. (n.3)). Hence tch v. intr., to utter this exclamation; also as n., an utterance of this exclamation.
| 1898 G. B. Shaw Mrs. Warren's Profession i. 176 (Correcting him quickly in a loud whisper) Tch! Nonsense. 1906 N. Munro Daft Days ix. 74 ‘You'll find a curious fearless independence in her.’ The twins held up their hands in amazement, ‘tcht-tcht-tchting’ simultaneously. ‘What a pity!’ said Miss Jean, as if it were a physical affliction. 1910 ― in Blackw. Mag. Aug. 236/2 Aunt Amelia..tchk-tchked at such preposterous views. 1930 G. B. Shaw Apple Cart i. 21 Tch-tch-tch! Gently, Amanda, gently. 1971 N.Z. Listener 16 Aug. 50/3 The mind boggles. The dreadful deeds the little monkeys might perpetrate. Tch tch. 1977 Daily Mirror 31 Mar. 24 Tch! Of all the times to go down wi' flu! We've got a very important darts match tonight! |