M is for Mhmm and other Mutterings #AtoZChallenge

All right, I have just discovered, and am sorry to announce,
The English alphabet has failed us.
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Twenty-six measly letters are just not enough to capture all 44 phonetic sounds (and probably more if you ask Professor Higgins.)

​That’s right folks, we’re going to have to Beyond Z for this post.

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Take mhmm and mmhm for examples.
Whoa, wait, what?
Exactly. I’m trying to show the sound of someone agreeing with you – mhmm, and also the sound of someone disagreeing with you – mmhm. But it’s just not working! If you were listening the sounds coming from my throat, their meaning would be absolutely clear without me having to even open my mouth.
But, no, I can’t write it clearly without making different sounds completely.

*mmmmmhmmmmhmmmhmm*

Um, excuse me? What’s that one supposed to mean?
That was me crying silently.
Oh. I didn’t get that.
 Obviously.

Hey, can I make a suggestion?
Sure.
How about instead of actually putting in the sounds you’re making, just write *sob*.
You mean the actual sounds are not always the best onomatopoeia to use?
Mmhm – that’s me agreeing with you.
That’s – that’s brilliant! What do you think about this Muttley?

And if you agree with me that the A to Z Blogging Challenge is a fun way to visit new bloggers, check them out!

A to Z Blogging Challenge

Also, if you feel the need to go beyond the traditional 26 letters of the English alphabet, Dr. Seuss has a few suggestions:

On Beyond Zebra