hiss

Everyday

1. To hiss is to make a long «sss» sound, like a snake or steam escaping. tree →
2. A hiss is that sound. tree →
3. To hiss can mean to say something in a sharp, angry whisper. tree →
4. An audience may hiss to show they dislike someone. tree →

In the lessons

In stories hissing tells the reader about danger or anger: snakes and cats hiss as a warning, a villain hisses words. In science and everyday life it describes steam from a kettle, gas escaping, air leaking from a tyre or a fizzy drink being opened. Phrases: «hiss at», «hiss of steam», «hissed through her teeth».

Examples

• The snake hissed and raised its head. tree →
• Our cat hisses when the neighbour's dog comes near. tree →
• The kettle began to hiss on the stove. tree →
• I heard a hiss as the air came out of my bike tyre. tree →
• «Be quiet!» she hissed. tree →
• The crowd hissed at the villain in the pantomime. tree →
• If you smell gas or hear a hiss from the cooker, tell an adult at once. tree →
• The drink can opened with a hiss. tree →
• “Nearer!” hissed Kaa, and they all moved again. tree →

Note

Third person «hisses», plural noun «hisses». It is an imitative word (it sounds like what it means). Safety: a hissing cat or snake is warning you to keep away.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Sefer Yetzirah calls the letter Shin "hissing" like fire and Mem silent like water. Aleph, a breath of air, stands between them to bring balance. In the prophets, to "hiss" at a ruined city means to whistle in shock and scorn, and "a hissing" is a thing people mock. In the primary lessons: In stories hissing tells the reader about danger or anger: snakes and cats hiss as a warning, a villain hisses words. In science and everyday life it describes steam from a kettle, gas escaping, air leaking from a tyre or a fizzy drink being opened. Phrases: «hiss at», «hiss of steam», «hissed through her teeth».

Examples

• The three fundamental letters א״מ״ש signify, as מ is mute like the water and ש hissing like the fire, there is א among them, a breath of air which reconciles them. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• Every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand. (Prophets ZEP.2.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place. (Writings JOB.27.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwelling-place for jackals, an astonishment, and a hissing, without inhabitant. (Prophets JER.51.37, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Third person «hisses», plural noun «hisses». It is an imitative word (it sounds like what it means). Safety: a hissing cat or snake is warning you to keep away.