cluck

 
Pronunciation: /klʌk/

verb

[no object]
  • (of a hen) make a short, low sound: the chickens clucked and scratched in the dirt
  • (of a person) make a short, low sound with one’s tongue to express concern or disapproval: the bystanders shook their heads and clucked sympathetically [with object]: Carmichael clucked his tongue irritably
  • [no object] (cluck over/around) express fussy concern about: Pauline became worried about her health and constantly clucked over her

noun

  • 1the short, low sound made by a hen.
  • a short, low sound made by a person to express concern or disapproval: Loretta gave a cluck of impatience
  • 2North American informal a foolish person.

Origin:

late 15th century: imitative, corresponding to Danish klukke, Swedish klucka