Psst

Part of speech: interjection

Definitions

1. A soft hissing exclamation made to quietly get the attention of someone nearby
2. An interjection spoken in a low hiss to discreetly call someone over without others noticing
3. A hushed sound uttered to signal another person, typically in a secretive or conspiratorial way

Etymology: "Psst" is a sound rather than a word built from parts. It is imitative, meaning it was formed by copying the hushed hissing noise people make to catch someone's attention without being overheard. Its closest counterpart is the sound people use to call animals, such as cats, which is why the same hiss can summon a feline or a friend across a crowded room. The interjection works because it is nearly silent yet still carries. Its sharp "s" sounds cut through background noise while the lack of a vowel keeps it discreet. That combination explains its use as a quiet attention call: it signals "come here" or "listen" without the volume of a shout.

Synonyms: hey, pst