How Do You Spell HISS?

Pronunciation: [hˈɪs] (IPA)

The word "hiss" is spelled with four letters and pronounced as /hɪs/. This word is a verb, which means to make a sharp sibilant sound, like that of a snake or cat. In this word, the "h" sound is spelled with the letter "h" and is pronounced as an unvoiced glottal fricative. The "i" sound is spelled with the letter "i" and is pronounced as a short vowel sound. The double "s" sound is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative. Overall, the spelling of this word is quite straightforward and matches its pronunciation closely.

HISS Meaning and Definition

  1. Hiss is a verb that refers to a sound characterized by a high-pitched, extended "s" or a soft, prolonged "sh" produced by air being forcefully expelled through a small passage formed between the teeth or lips. This sound is typically associated with an expression of disapproval, anger, fear, or warning.

    In nature, hissing is most commonly associated with snakes as a defensive mechanism, particularly when they feel threatened. The hiss serves as a warning signal to potential predators or intruders. It is produced by the snake forcing air through a narrow opening in its mouth, creating a distinctive sibilant sound.

    Hissing can also be a human vocalization used as a means of expressing dissatisfaction, scorn, or disagreement. It is often employed as a response to something unpleasant or offensive, such as a derogatory comment or aggressive behavior. Additionally, hissing can be used as a theatrical effect in portraying certain characters or situations, particularly in performances or storytelling.

    Furthermore, hiss can also be a noun, referring to the sound itself or an instance of producing such a sound. It is often used in contexts related to negative emotions, aversion, or unfriendly interactions. The noun form can also be used metaphorically to describe a sound resembling the hiss of a snake, such as the noise produced by escaping gas, steam, or other similar pressure sources.

  2. • An expression of contempt or disapprobation like the continuous sound of the letters, produced by driving breath between the tongue and the teeth; the noise made by a serpent or goose.
    • To express contempt by hisses; to condemn by hissing.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for HISS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for HISS

Etymology of HISS

The word "hiss" originated from Middle English "hissen", which is believed to have been derived from the Old English "hysian". The Old English term "hysian" ultimately finds its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "*hīsijaną". This Proto-Germanic word meant "to hiss" or "to make a hissing sound". The exact origin of "*hīsijaną" is uncertain, but it possibly came from an Indo-European source. Nonetheless, the word "hiss" has maintained its general meaning of making a sharp or prolonged sibilant sound.

Idioms with the word HISS

  • hiss sth out The idiom "hiss sth out" means to say or pronounce something in a sibilant or whispering manner, often with a tone of anger, disapproval, or contempt. It implies speaking in a low, sharp, and sometimes spiteful or sarcastic manner.
  • hiss sm off (of the stage) The idiom "hiss someone off (of the stage)" means to express disapproval or rejection of someone, often by making hissing sounds, especially when they are performing or speaking publicly. It conveys the idea of forcefully demanding someone's removal from a stage or platform due to dissatisfaction with their actions or performance.
  • hiss at sm or sth The idiom "hiss at someone or something" means to express disapproval, anger, or contempt toward a person or thing by making a hissing sound. It can be used to indicate strong negative reactions or criticism towards someone or something.
  • hiss at someone or something The idiom "hiss at someone or something" means to express strong disapproval or anger towards someone or something by producing a hissing sound. It can be an actual hissing sound made by a person or an imitation of a hiss to convey displeasure or condemnation.
  • hiss something out The idiom "hiss something out" refers to speaking something in a harsh or angry tone, often with a feeling of bitterness or contempt. It suggests that the words are being forcefully expelled, resembling a hissing sound, similar to the sound made by a snake. It is commonly used to describe the act of uttering something with intense emotion, particularly when expressing disapproval or anger.
  • hiss someone off (of the stage)

Similar spelling words for HISS

Plural form of HISS is HISSES

Conjugate verb Hiss

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have hissed
you would have hissed
he/she/it would have hissed
we would have hissed
they would have hissed
I would have hiss
you would have hiss
he/she/it would have hiss
we would have hiss
they would have hiss

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been hissing
you would have been hissing
he/she/it would have been hissing
we would have been hissing
they would have been hissing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would hiss
you would hiss
he/she/it would hiss
we would hiss
they would hiss

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be hissing
you would be hissing
he/she/it would be hissing
we would be hissing
they would be hissing

FUTURE

I will hiss
you will hiss
he/she/it will hiss
we will hiss
they will hiss

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be hissing
you will be hissing
he/she/it will be hissing
we will be hissing
they will be hissing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have hissed
you will have hissed
he/she/it will have hissed
we will have hissed
they will have hissed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been hissing
you will have been hissing
he/she/it will have been hissing
we will have been hissing
they will have been hissing

IMPERATIVE

you hiss
we let´s hiss

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to hiss

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was hissing
you were hissing
he/she/it was hissing
we were hissing
they were hissing

PAST PARTICIPLE

hissed

PAST PERFECT

I had hissed
you had hissed
he/she/it had hissed
we had hissed
they had hissed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been hissing
you had been hissing
he/she/it had been hissing
we had been hissing
they had been hissing

PRESENT

I hiss
you hiss
he/she/it hisses
we hiss
they hiss

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am hissing
you are hissing
he/she/it is hissing
we are hissing
they are hissing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

hissing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have hissed
you have hissed
he/she/it has hissed
we have hissed
they have hissed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been hissing
you have been hissing
he/she/it has been hissing
we have been hissing
they have been hissing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it hiss

SIMPLE PAST

I hissed
you hissed
he/she/it hissed
we hissed
they hissed

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