- A highly dismissive phrase, usually accompanied by the gesture of holding one's hand up with the palm facing the other person.
- Signifies I'm not listening to you, talk to my hand instead.
- Considered rude, sarcastic, and very dated.
Explanation
Origin
- Popularized in the 1990s, particularly in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and then wider pop culture (e.g., the TV show Martin).
- Often extended to Talk to the hand, 'cause the face ain't listening.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
(More current ways to be dismissive)
Slang/Informal:
- I'm done. (Ending the conversation)
- Not listening.
- Whatever.
- Blocking someone online serves a similar function digitally.
Milder:
- I don't wish to discuss this further.
- Let's talk about this later. (If sincere)
- I need a break from this conversation.
Situational Appropriateness
- Highly informal, rude, and childish.
- Seen as very dated (90s slang). Using it now might seem strange or ironically retro.
- Avoid completely in any serious or respectful context.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- While the dismissive intent is clear (especially with the gesture), learners might not grasp how dated and potentially comical/cringey it sounds today.
Examples
- A: You need to listen to my explanation! B: (Holding up hand) Talk to the hand.
- She tried to apologize, but I just said, 'Talk to the hand.'
Dialogue
Alex: ...and another thing, I didn't appreciate you borrowing my headphones without asking!
Jamie: (Holds up hand) Whatever. Talk to the hand.
Alex: Are you serious? That's so childish! Put your hand down!
Jamie: ('Cause the face ain't listening!) Bye. (Walks off)
Social Media Examples
- # (Mostly used ironically or referencing the 90s)
- Meme: [Picture of 90s character with hand up] Caption: When someone starts explaining crypto. Talk to the hand.
- Throwback post: Remember when 'talk to the hand' was peak comeback? #90skid #tbt
- GIF search: talk to the hand results used in replies to be dismissive, often humorously.
Response Patterns
- Usually met with anger, frustration, or disbelief at the rudeness and childishness.
- The speaker might stop talking, realizing the other person refuses to listen.
- Could provoke an argument (Don't you dare talk to the hand!).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing Talk to the hand:
- The person being dismissed might try to get past the hand, demand to be heard, or simply give up and walk away, often angrily.
- The person saying it usually maintains the pose briefly before turning away or ending the conversation forcefully.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Used to shut down a conversation dismissively.
Intonation
- Delivered with a dismissive, often arrogant or sarcastic tone.
- Stress on hand. Talk to the HAND.
Generation Differences
- Strongly associated with the 1990s and early 2000s.
- Younger generations (Gen Z, late Millennials) would likely see it as dated, possibly only using it ironically or humorously.
- Older generations might not have used it much even when it was current.
Regional Variations
- Primarily North American pop culture phenomenon, but understood in other English-speaking regions due to media exposure.