- An expression indicating indifference, dismissal, or resignation towards something said or a situation. It often implies I don't care, It doesn't matter to me, or Do what you want.
Explanation
Origin
- Shortened form of whatever you say or whatever happens.
- Gained significant popularity as a dismissive slang term in the 1990s, particularly associated with teenage apathy (e.g., in the movie 'Clueless').
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Whatevs. (More casual, sometimes playful shortening)
- Yeah, yeah. (Dismissive, implies disbelief or impatience)
- Talk to the hand. (Outdated 90s slang for dismissal)
Milder/More Polite (Expressing indifference):
- It makes no difference to me.
- Either way is fine.
- I don't have a preference.
More Formal (Expressing dismissal of an idea):
- That's irrelevant.
- I disagree.
Situational Appropriateness
- Highly informal and often considered rude or dismissive, especially depending on tone.
- Use with caution. Generally okay among close friends in very casual contexts, but can easily cause offense.
- Avoid in professional, formal, or polite situations. Seen as disrespectful to authority figures or elders.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The main issue isn't misunderstanding the basic meaning (indifference/dismissal) but underestimating how rude or dismissive it can sound, especially with the wrong tone. It can escalate conflict.
Examples
- You don't like my outfit? Whatever. (Dismissal)
- Fine, you can go to the party, stay out late, whatever. (Indifference/Resignation)
- He said I was wrong, but whatever, I know I'm right. (Dismissal)
Dialogue
Person A: You're always late! It's really disrespectful.
Person B: (Shrugging) Whatever.
Person A: Don't say 'whatever'! It does matter!
Social Media Examples
- Comment section argument: User A: Your argument makes no sense. User B: Whatever. 🙄
- Tweet (expressing frustration): Tried to explain it to them but they wouldn't listen. Whatever, I'm done trying. #Frustrated
- Meme caption (showing apathy): (Picture of someone shrugging) When someone criticizes your life choices: Whatever.
Response Patterns
- Often ends the conversation or that line of discussion.
- Annoyance/Frustration: Don't say 'whatever' to me! / It's not 'whatever'!
- Acceptance (if the 'whatever' signaled resignation): Okay, thanks.
- Ignoring it and moving on.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing a dismissive Whatever:
- The other person might get annoyed or drop the subject.
- Might challenge the indifference: What do you mean, 'whatever'?
After saying Whatever:
- The speaker usually disengages from the topic or shows clear lack of interest.
- Might shrug or turn away.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a response, often one that aims to end interaction.
Intonation
Crucial for meaning.
- Dismissive/Sarcastic: Often drawn out, with a falling, slightly nasal tone, sometimes accompanied by an eye roll. What-EV-er.
- Indifferent/Resigned: Flatter, quicker, falling tone. Whatever.
Generation Differences
- Strongly associated with Gen X and Millennials due to its 90s peak, but still used by Gen Z, sometimes ironically. Older generations may find it particularly disrespectful.
Regional Variations
- Common in North American English. Widely understood globally due to media influence.