tut

Everyday

1. interjection: A small clicking sound made with the tongue, written «tut» or «tut-tut», showing that you disapprove or are annoyed. tree →
2. verb: To make this sound: «She tutted at the noisy boys». tree →
3. (Tut, informal) Short for Tutankhamun, the famous young pharaoh of ancient Egypt — «King Tut». tree →

In the lessons

In stories, «tutted» shows a grown-up is annoyed or disapproving, but quietly — often a British habit in queues. In history lessons about Egypt, «King Tut» is Tutankhamun, whose tomb was found in 1922. Phrases: «tut-tut», «tutted loudly», «King Tut».

Examples

• «Tut-tut, what a mess!» said Grandma. tree →
• The lady in the queue tutted when someone pushed in. tree →
• Mum tutted at the muddy footprints. tree →
• He gave a loud tut and rolled his eyes. tree →
• King Tut was only a boy when he became pharaoh. tree →
• Stop tutting at me, I'm going as fast as I can! tree →
• “Tut, tut, tut,” he said, “where does she lie?” tree →

Note

Past «tutted», «tutting» (double t). The written «tut» stands for a click, not a real word sound. Similar: «tsk». «Tut» for Tutankhamun is a nickname; his tomb's treasures are in Cairo.