hmm?

[sglazier]

Following on from smartax_2000 's question about throat clearing, what do you think is the motive of people who say 'Hmm?' in a grumpy way when you talk to them, so you have to repeat yourself even though they heard you perfectly well?

[sglazier]

That's fine, thanks.

I had a theory that the person was subconciously trying to exert power over you by 'making' you repeat yourself to them. I thought that because the two people I have known who were the worst offenders both happened to be arrogant, bad-tempered people.

Then again my dad does it all the time and he is neither.

[gastwo]

Following on from Andy's response, with regard to the wrist watch, have you noticed that if you pointedly look at you watch, you can be sure that others in your vicinty will as well - or if you mention the time, they'll look at their watch to check!

[landie]

It means that they weren't concentrating, probably thinking about something else and missed youractual wording.

I must admit I have a tendency to race ahead of the speaker as if able to predict accurately what they're going to say. I often find myself several scenarios ahead of them and get embarrassed and fidgety. But I try not to clear my throat.

[jno]

perhaps they're hard of hearing - that can make you grumpy.