hnnh.

interj.  in “Grunt, a dialect of English passed on from father to son ... ‘Hnnh!’ means ‘Wow, I didn’t know that.  Glad you told me’” (James Dale, Rules For Wives).

hnnn.

(also hnnnn.)  n.  the grunt of Frankenstein’s monster.

<Now in place of his brow-furrowing / Shakespearean tirades / all he ever said was: / Hnnn.  Hnnnn.  —John Quinn, “Subway Station Meditation (New York),” Do Not Ask Me to Compete with the Angels.>

interj.  a grunt of approval.

<“But right now I urge you all to enjoy yourselves.  Eat, drink, and be merry”  “Hnnn,” Louisa grunted approvingly.  —Carol Higgins Clark, Twanged.>

interj.  a questioning sound, as in The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break: A Novel by Steven Sherrill.


interj.  an acknowledgment, if not a direct agreement.

<“Fine, good, be sick whatever.  But just make sure you ditch that sucker once and for all.”  “Hnnn,” I said.  —Jenny Colgan, Amanda’s Wedding.>

interj.  an excited equivalent of “voila.”

<“Have you seen the paper?”  “No,” Regan said.  “Why?”   “Hnnn.”  Louisa reached into her carryall and pulled out the Hamptons News.  —Carol Higgins Clark, Twanged.>

- END OF PREVIEW - To read more, see the "Search Inside" feature at Amazon.com