Term Gallery logo

Meanings of ahem in English

The utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.

See more
Usage of ahem in English
1
My uncle was, ahem, fanatical about hunting and very particular about poachers.
Four dukes and a devil
2
He featured in the Q&A slot in, ahem, this newspaper's Weekend magazine.
The Guardian
3
The composite body also gives the car its, ahem, unusual matte finish.
Wired
4
Some years ago though, I moved my business to another bank, ahem!
Leah Mordecai: A Novel
5
The town of A---has five thousand, B---hasfour thousand, ahem!
The Social Cancer: A Complete English Version of Noli Me Tangere
6
Dishy Mr Knightley is briefly glimpsed stark naked from the, ahem, rear.
The Guardian
7
With great difficulty and a fair bit of, ahem, elbow grease.
BBC
8
Oh... ahem... is that I wanted to ask you one thing.
Renaissance
9
One night, we talked until very late, and I, ahem, I kissed her.
Private life
10
It's meant to be on your helmet or handlebars recording the, ahem, action.
Wired
11
Might it not be sufficient to read about Muggle histories and, ahem, lifestyles?
James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing
12
Methinks their PR people are losing the, ahem, run of themselves.
The Irish Times
13
Here's how to make a hoop that will fit your, ahem, grown-up hips.
Wired
14
But we, ahem-wethought best to give you a brotherly warning.
The Calling of Dan Matthews
15
Fiber without water makes for a very painful, ahem, process.
Ebony
16
Nikon is certainly focusing (ahem) on the more interesting side of photography.
Wired
About this term
Ahem through the time
Ahem across language varieties
Ireland
Common
United Kingdom
Common
United States of America
Less common