Is it okay to say "hah?" or "hmm?" in formal conversation?

SuperInfinity · 15-10-2010 3:43pm #1

You know the way Irish people say "hmm", "huh?" or "hah?", (maybe the "hah?" or a mixture between huh/hah is more of a Cork way of speaking).

But would you use this in a formal or semi-formal capacity if you didn't understand what the other person was saying and wanted them to clarify?

Snakeblood · 15-10-2010 3:43pm

SuperInfinity wrote: »

You know the way Irish people say "hmm", "huh?" or "hah?", (maybe the "hah?" or a mixture between huh/hah is more of a Cork way of speaking).

But would you use this in a formal or semi-formal capacity if you didn't understand what the other person was saying and wanted them to clarify?

Nah, it's rude as hell.

Teutorix · 15-10-2010 3:45pm

Pardon me? Excuse me? and I'm sorry could you repeat yourself?

Lern2language register

alwaysadub · 15-10-2010 3:46pm

I'd try not to no. Pardon or excuse me would be a bit more appropriate in the likes of an interview or something.

NothingMan · 15-10-2010 3:49pm

"ye wha!" or "exsqueeze me" are my usuals.

listermint · 15-10-2010 3:51pm

The Cork 'Hah' is strikingly rude due in no small part to its volume of delivery.

Scuid Mhór · 15-10-2010 3:51pm

saying 'hm,' will make you look like the thinking man's stool.

Novella · 15-10-2010 3:52pm

I definitely wouldn't say "huh?" in a formal conversation. In fact, I probably wouldn't use it in any conversation at all. It's pretty rude imo.

AlmightyCushion · 15-10-2010 3:53pm

Short answer, yes with an if. Long answer, no with a but.

Teutorix · 15-10-2010 3:54pm

listermint wrote: »

The Cork 'Hah' is strikingly rude due in no small part to its volume of delivery.

Makes me jump every time i hear it. Especially when its right into my face. Rough cork people really annoy me.

KevinVonSpiel · 15-10-2010 3:54pm

Just follow this one simple rule: don't lick your genetalia.

Teutorix · 15-10-2010 3:58pm

KevinVonSpiel wrote: »

Just follow this one simple rule: don't lick your genetalia.

Oh how i'd love to.

DAMN YOU, MY UNFLEXIBLE BACK!

AAAAAAAHHH · 15-10-2010 4:01pm

I say "WAT?"

Donkey Oaty · 15-10-2010 4:10pm

Is it okay to say "hah" or "hmm?" in formal conversation?

Here's the rudest woman in the world, 13 seconds in.

Definitely not suitable for the easily offended.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX4SqnCLwiA

kiad · 15-10-2010 4:11pm

Scuid Mhór wrote: »

saying 'hm,' will make you look like your thinking about a man's stool.

Fixed

who the fug · 15-10-2010 4:15pm

listermint wrote: »

The Cork 'Hah' is strikingly rude due in no small part to its volume of delivery.

One uses that tone & volume when dealing with servants

Kimono-Girl · 15-10-2010 4:33pm

when i was interviewing people, if i heard them say "hah?" or "hmm?" that would have put me off hiring them

Is it okay to say "hah?" or "hmm?" in formal conversation?

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