Thursday, March 9, 2017

"Humph" and Other Interjections



We use interjections in our speech every day.  We use them in writing, too, but most often in dialogue.  Sometimes it is a challenge to figure out how to spell them.   There are so many, and they convey so much with just one little word or even just one little sound.  If you hear someone say, "Ooops," it usually means they have done something clumsy.  "Ooops, I spilled the coffee," or something a bit stronger like, "Damn!" if it's all over a white shirt.





You can't help but smile if your husband mutters a serene, "Ahhhh," as he gets comfortable in bed after a long day.  Tasting a still warm-from-the-oven cookie seems to call for an appreciative, "Mmmm."  Of course, there is the low deep groan you make when the alarm clock goes off.

  



"Woot, woot!" is a paycheck with no deductions.  "Blah" describes a movie that was not to my liking.  So does, "Ho-hum."  As a teacher and mom, how could one get along without, "Shh...?"  "Duh" is only appropriate if you are talking to yourself.  Do not make the mistake of thinking your husband will find it funny.  He usually won't.



Then I thought of all the noises I can make as I approach the climax of orgasm.  Not really sure I could even match letters of the alphabet with the sounds that come out of my mouth.  Really sort
of animalistic now that I come to think about it.  Am certainly a lot more vocal than Sam.  Right when I get to the peak there is only this little series of squeaks coming from my throat.  They keep getting closer and closer together until it is like a tiny scream.  And then slowly coming back down, the squeaks recede in a quiet hum of satisfaction.


                          
                          "Was yours good?" Sam whispers.

                                      "Mm-hmm," says it all.




All this started to percolate in my brain after Sam began to take exception with a persistent interjection of mine.  It's actually rather
recent, I believe.  Lately, I have been thinking that about half the time I am submissive and the other half of the time I am merely "a submissive wanna-be."  So if Sam says something with which I don't agree or I wish it could be another way, I strive to listen and smile and say, "Whatever you think, hon."  Well, as often as possible.  But if I'm smack dab in the middle of a more, "It's all about me," frame of mind, I am very tempted to be more argumentative.




When my instinct tells me to pipe up with an opinion, ttwd tells me not to.  Instead I have begun to substitute the interjection, "Humph."  It is defined as a "mild exclamation of disagreement or reluctant agreement."  This just started a few months ago, and at the time, I think it was meant to be funny.  But a few weeks ago, Sam decided there were to be no more "humphs."  Now he said it with a smile so I wasn't sure if it was a rule added to the stone tablets or more of, "I double dog dare you."





Honestly, I can't remember what made me say it so soon after walking in the house from work.  We were pouring that first sweet beer of the evening, and Sam asked me to do something or not to do something and out came a "humph."  Sam jumped up out of his chair, grabbed some sort of cooking implement, and I went over the counter.





Well, speaking of exclamations, besides our laughter, very soon I was letting loose with a whole new set of interjections that included, "Ow, Yow, Ouch, Yeow, Hey, and Zowie."  I am  pretty sure they do not need any explanation.  When Sam was done, he pulled me onto his lap for some love.  I was quick to add just one more "Ow" as my bottom touched his thighs.


  


                   But Sam took care of the final interjection
                        with a long, drawn out, and sarcastic, 

                               "Awwww."

                                   I took care of the hugs. 







17 comments:

  1. Ella,
    I love how you word things! And humph added with a side of a particular glare usually bites the dust here too.
    --Baker

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Baker. I have monitored my interjections since this incident. Trying to stick to more positive ones. "Uh-huh" with a smile has been much more popular.

      Ella

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  2. Ella,
    Oh, I have so been there. One too many sighs, or interjections if you will and we are right there where you and Sam were. My Jack insists on positive talking and comments. If that is not possible, we have those same kind of discussions. Great post!
    Meredith

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    Replies
    1. Mmmm...I like the "positive talking and comments." I had to smile over that code word "discussion" too. Since ttwd started at Sam and Ella's house, its meaning has changed considerably.

      Ella

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  3. I love the lead up in this post! I am often cheeky which can lead to my Scotsman taking offense to my words or tone. In his own words, "I know what will reign you in!"
    Glad you two know what works!

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    Replies
    1. I always laugh when you quote your Scotsman, Minelle! He has a way with words.

      Hugs From Ella

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  4. LOL Ella...And that's what ya get for double dawg darin' a ttwd husband! ;)

    Hugs and blessings...Cat

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    1. I am learning that lesson, Cat. The hard way sometimes.

      Ella Needs to Zip the Mouth More

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  5. Hi Ella, I think there are a lot of those unknown words that come out of my mouth too :(
    love Jan, xx

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    1. I know your sweet hubby is taking good care of you, Jan.

      Hugs Across the Pond,
      Ella

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  6. Really enjoyed reading this Ella, love your writing :) Yep, some interjections are a good idea, others not so much lol. Love Sam's final interjection :)

    Hugs
    Roz

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Roz. Sam is very fond of his sarcastic "Awwws."

      Hugs From Ella

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  7. This is cute - you spend so much time making these posts inviting, thanks.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Sunny! Coming from one of my favorite authors, I so appreciate the compliment.

      Hugs From Ella

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  8. Really can appreciate this post as that is just exactly what Sir and I are dealing with now. I interject way too many times for Sir's liking. Learning how to speak respectfully is a real challenge for me as I am such a strong willed person and very opinionated. Still this brought a smile to my face today and a understanding that many others deal with the same issues.

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  9. How interesting to read this. I have to admit that some of my interjections are less than polite. I have a tendency to say "Good grief" more than anything, but will swear like a trooper if needs be.

    Hugs
    Ami

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  10. I have to admit this post made me smile :-) Hugs to you

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