Correct Use of the Word: “Shushing” or “Shhhing”
From LIS-MEDICAL (UK):
A member of the list asked:
“When used in the written format, would you use ‘shhhing’ or ‘shushing’ – I have seen it used both ways.”
Responses included:
- ‘Shushing’ is aptly used here –
http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/West/09/08/offbeat.librarian.ap/ - Surely it depends upon what you’re actually saying. If you’re saying “Shhh” then it’s “Shhhing”. If you’re saying “Shush” (pronounced shoosh) then it’s shushing.
- …have come to the conclusion it’s Shhhing.
- A quick Google shows that ’shushing’ is the preferred option, but I don’t have an English grammar to hand
But here’s my absolute favorite response:
I’m intrigued as to the context in which you’d actually want it written down…. Perhaps a memo to Purchasing: “To avoid excessive shhhing by staff, please find attached an order for 144 chloroform-soaked handkerchiefs…” ?
Thanks to anonymous for sending this my way. 
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