- hiss (v.)
- late 14c., of imitative origin. Compare Danish hysse, German zischen, etc. Johnson wrote, "it is remarkable, that this word cannot be pronounced without making the noise which it signifies." Related: Hissed; hissing.
- hiss (n.)
- "a continued 's' sound, commonly expressing disapproval or contempt," 1510s, from hiss (v.).
