Hem and haw
Meaning
To hesitate or be indecisive, often while speaking, using sounds or words to fill pauses.
Origin
The phrase "hem and haw" directly mimics the sounds of someone struggling to speak, often out of indecision or an attempt to buy time. "Hem" emerged in the 16th century as an interjection, a subtle throat-clearing sound used to gain attention or indicate a pause. Later, in the 18th century, "haw" joined it, a drawn-out vocalization much like "uh" or "um," signaling hesitation or uncertainty. When paired together, these onomatopoeic utterances became a vivid shorthand for a speaker caught in a moment of reluctance, unable or unwilling to give a direct answer, their vocal pauses filling the air with sounds of their internal struggle.
Examples
- When asked about his involvement, he began to hem and haw, avoiding a direct answer.
- Don't just hem and haw; tell me exactly what you think about the proposal.