- A rhetorical question used to dismiss the importance or relevance of a preceding statement.
- It implies that the information just presented doesn't matter or has no significant consequences.
Explanation
Origin
- A straightforward expression questioning the consequence ('so') of a fact ('what').
- It's a defiant or dismissive challenge to the perceived implication of a statement.
- Its usage is common and hasn't changed significantly over time.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- And your point is...? (Slightly more confrontational)
- Like I care. (Sarcastic)
- Talk to the hand. (Dated 90s slang, very dismissive)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- So fucking what? (Adds strong emphasis)
- Who gives a fuck/shit? (Expresses strong indifference to the point)
Milder/More Polite (if genuinely questioning relevance, not dismissing):
- What are the implications of that?
- How does that affect things?
- Why is that important?
Situational Appropriateness
- Highly informal.
- Generally considered rude, defiant, or disrespectful, especially when responding to authority figures, superiors, or in professional settings.
- Can be acceptable among close friends in casual banter, but the dismissive nature remains. Use with caution.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The meaning is usually clear, but the level of rudeness might be underestimated by learners. It's a strong dismissal.
- It's inherently confrontational and likely to escalate tension rather than resolve anything.
Examples
- Person A: You missed the deadline! Person B: So what? It wasn't that important anyway.
- Person A: He said he doesn't like you. Person B: So what? I don't need everyone to like me.
- Okay, I made a mistake. So what? Everyone makes mistakes.
Dialogue
Manager: You were ten minutes late this morning.
Employee: So what? I still finished all my work on time.
Manager: *So* it disrupts the team schedule and sets a bad example. We need everyone here promptly at 9 AM.
Social Media Examples
- Comment Thread: User A: That movie wasn't historically accurate! User B: So what? It was entertaining.
- Tweet: People mad I expressed my opinion. So what? Freedom of speech. #sorrynotsorry
- Forum Reply: Someone complained my code isn't perfectly formatted. So what? It works and passes all tests.
Response Patterns
- The original speaker might try to explain the importance (*So* it means you'll fail the course!).
- They might become defensive or annoyed (What do you mean, 'so what'?!).
- They might drop the subject, realizing the other person is unreceptive.
- Sometimes met with silence or a look of disbelief.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says So what?:
- The person who made the initial statement might feel compelled to justify its significance (Well, the consequence is...).
- An argument might ensue if the dismissal is perceived as unreasonable or rude.
- The conversation might abruptly end.
After hearing a response to So what?:
- The person who said So what? might double down on their indifference (I still don't care) or offer a counter-argument.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a confrontational or dismissive response, definitely not an opener.
Intonation
- Typically delivered with a challenging, dismissive, or defiant tone.
- Stress is usually on So. SO what?
- Often has a sharp, falling intonation, but can sometimes have a slight rise if genuinely (though still dismissively) questioning the consequence.
Generation Differences
- Used across most generations, though perhaps more frequently associated with teenage or youthful defiance. The underlying sentiment is universal.
Regional Variations
- Common and understood in all major English-speaking regions.