shush (English)
Where does "shush" come from?
The word 'shush' originated as an imitative term, echoing the actual sound used to demand silence. It is closely related to the interjection 'shh' and shares linguistic roots with the word 'hush,' both of which function to mimic the quick, breathy noise required to quiet someone.
Full etymology tree
- shush (English), 'To be quiet; to keep quiet.'
- influence shh (English), 'Demanding silence.'
- derived hush (English), 'To become quiet.'
- inherited huschen (Middle English)
- derived hush (English), 'To become quiet.'
- influence hush (English), 'To become quiet.'
- inherited huschen (Middle English)
- influence shh (English), 'Demanding silence.'
Updated June 2026
Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris