psss-ss-st.

n.  a sound calling one’s attention.

<What would you think if a man in a string tie and a long, black coat came up to you and said, “Psss-ss-st.  Wanna buy a drink that stops cancer of the skin, lung, stomach, color, liver, breast, esophagus, and pancreas?”  —Selene Yeager, Doctor’s Book of Food Remedies.>

psssh.

interj.  a dismissive sound.

<“Psssh,” he said, fanning me off with one hand.  “Just stand back, okay?”  —Sarah Dessen, Someone Like You.> <“I’m a volunteer,” Trula said.  “Well, of course you don’t need the money.  Psssh.”  She dismissed Trula with a slash of her hand.  —James Hall, Bones of Coral.>

interj.  a sarcastic expression.

<He lifted his hands in mock admiration.  “Psssh!” said Papa.  “What clever children I have!”  —Judith Kerr, When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit.> <“Psssh, was she ever wrong about you,” she added, sarcastically.  —Victor McGlothin, What’s a Woman to Do?>

interj.  a shushing sound.

<Psssh!  These are matters we must not discuss.  —Jack Vance, Alastor.>

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