Swahili
msonyo
m-SO-nyo
How to say it
Swahilimsonyom-SO-nyosoon
Englishhisssoon
Frenchsifflementsoon
Meaning
a whistling intake of breath used to express contempt or scorn.
Good to know
a variant of msono.
Examples
- Alitoa msonyo aliposikia habari ile.He made a scornful hiss of breath when he heard that news.
- Usinipe msonyo, sikufanya kosa.Don't hiss contemptuously at me, I didn't do anything wrong.
- Mzee alionyesha dharau kwa msonyo mmoja.The old man showed his disdain with a single contemptuous hiss.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.