interjection
hem
A throat-clearing sound used to signal hesitation or attract attention.
"Hem," I say, hoping to draw the teacher's attention.
Etymology
A conventional representation of throat-clearing, used for hesitation or attention. The sewn edge has a separate history.
More examples
- "Hem, I don't quite know how to explain this."
- "Hem, may I have a moment of your time?"
- "Well, hem, there's something I forgot to mention."
Similar words
- ahem
- More commonly signals deliberate attention-getting, correction, or mild disapproval.