- An interjection or adjective expressing apathy, indifference, lack of enthusiasm, or mild disappointment. It signifies something is unimpressive or just okay.
Explanation
Origin
- Uncertain origin. Some theories suggest Yiddish roots, others see it as onomatopoeic for a sigh or shrug.
- Popularized significantly by the TV show The Simpsons in the 1990s, after which its usage exploded, particularly online.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Mid. (Recent slang, popular online, meaning mediocre or average, often disappointingly so)
- (Shrug emoji) 🤷 / 🤷♀️ / 🤷♂️ (Common online equivalent)
Milder/More Polite:
- It was alright.
- It wasn't really my cup of tea.
- I'm indifferent.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal. Best used in casual conversation or online.
- Can sound dismissive or uninterested in more formal settings. Avoid using it in professional contexts when feedback or enthusiasm is expected.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Unlikely to be misunderstood in its meaning of indifference/lack of enthusiasm.
- The main risk is using it in a situation where more politeness or enthusiasm is expected, thus appearing rude or disengaged.
Examples
- How was the movie? Meh. (It was okay, unimpressive)
- Want to go out tonight? Meh, I don't really feel like it. (Lack of enthusiasm)
- I thought the book would be amazing, but it was kind of meh. (Adjective: disappointing/unimpressive)
Dialogue
Person A: Did you try that new restaurant everyone's talking about?
Person B: Yeah, we went last night.
Person A: And? How was it?
Person B: Meh. It was fine, but nothing special. Overhyped, I think.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet rating a movie: Saw the new superhero movie. Honestly? Meh. 🫤 5/10 #MovieReview
- Response to a poll 'Are you excited for Monday?': Vote: Meh.
- Instagram story caption (showing boring food): Dinner tonight was kinda meh.
Response Patterns
- Acknowledgment: Oh, okay. / Fair enough.
- Inquiry: Oh? Why, what was wrong with it? / Not feeling it?
- Agreement: Yeah, I felt the same way.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing Meh:
- Might ask for clarification: Just 'meh'? Nothing good about it?
- Might suggest an alternative if it was a response to a proposal: Okay, maybe something else then?
After saying Meh:
- Might elaborate slightly: Meh. It wasn't bad, just not great.
- Shows clear lack of interest or enthusiasm.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a response expressing a lack of enthusiasm or opinion.
Intonation
- Typically a short, flat, monotone sound. Meh.
- Can be slightly drawn out with falling intonation to emphasize boredom or lack of enthusiasm. Meeeeh.
- Often accompanied by a shrug.
Generation Differences
- Very common among Millennials and Gen Z, heavily used online. Gen X understands it well. Older generations might be less familiar or find it overly casual/dismissive.
Regional Variations
- Widely understood in most English-speaking regions, largely thanks to The Simpsons and internet culture. Originated/popularized in North America.