whisht
Definition
Interjection:
- A command to be silent: "whisht" (also spelled "whist") is used as an exclamation meaning "hush!" or "be quiet!" — often used to call for silence or to calm someone.
Noun:
- A card game: "whist" (see note below) is a classic trick-taking card game for four players in two partnerships, similar to bridge. However, the primary meaning of "whisht" in modern English is the interjection.
Note on spelling: The word "whisht" is a variant of "whist" (the interjection). The card game is always spelled "whist" and is a separate word; the interjection "whisht" is less common and often considered archaic or dialectal.
Usage Examples
- Interjection:
- "Whisht, child! Stop crying." (A command to be quiet.)
- She put her finger to her lips and said, "Whisht, everyone — the show is about to begin." (She called for silence.)
Advanced Usage
- "to whisht" (verb): In some dialects, "whisht" can be used as a verb meaning to silence or to become quiet.
- He tried to whisht the barking dog. (He attempted to quiet the dog.)
- The crowd whishted as the speaker took the stage. (The crowd fell silent.)
Variants and Related Words
- Whist (interjection): The more common spelling of the same exclamation.
- "Whist! Do you hear that noise?" (Be quiet and listen.)
- Whist (noun): The card game, unrelated to the interjection.
- They played a game of whist every Thursday. (A trick-taking card game.)
Synonyms
- Hush: an exclamation for silence.
- "Hush, the baby is sleeping." (Be quiet.)
- Shush: a softer command for silence.
- "Shush, you'll wake the neighbours." (Be quiet.)
Related Idioms
- Not a whisht: (dialectal) not a sound; complete silence.
- There wasn't a whisht from the classroom. (There was complete quiet.)