um and aah

um and ah

To be hesitant or indecisive, especially when speaking out loud about a decision. "Um" and "ah" are common filler words used by habit or when one is deciding what to say. Try not to um and ah so much when you're considering a counter-proposal—it's not professional. It felt like that guy ummed and ahed for five minutes before he gave me his order.

See also: ah, and, um

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

ˌum and ˈaah (about something)

(also ˌhum/ˌhem and ˈhaw less frequent) (informal) speak but say nothing important because you need more time to think about a problem, matter, etc: He ummed and aahed for about half an hour and then finally said he would lend me the money. ♢ After a lot of umming and aahing, he finally said yes to the plan.

Um, aah, etc. are sounds that people make when they hesitate or do not know what to say next.

See also: aah, and, um

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017