ahem

The sound made when a person clears his/her throat, often interjected when speaking or writing to indicate that the next word or phrase is used ironically or euphemistically, (esp. with regard to sexual euphemisms). Sometimes used to replace a sexually explicit word or phrase altogether. When used on its own or at the end of a sentence, indicates that the entire previous sentence has been intended ironically or euphemistically. Similar to the addition of "not", as in: "Well that TV show was interesting ... not." Often written with asterisks.