• Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Subscribe
  • RSS

Meh Makes Dictionary

“Meh,” an indicator of indifference, has made the dictionary.

“Meh”, a word which indicates a lack of interest or enthusiasm, became the latest addition to the Collins English Dictionary on Monday.  The word, which beat hundreds of other suggestions from members of the public, will feature in the 30th anniversary edition of the dictionary, which is to be published next year.

Though the word apparently originates from North America, Collins said it was now widely used on the Internet, and was increasingly seen in British spoken English.  The dictionary entry for “meh” will say it can be used as an interjection to indicate indifference or boredom, as an adjective to describe something as boring or mediocre, or to show an individual is apathetic or unimpressed.

The word was popularised by the US comedy animation series “The Simpsons”, where characters Bart and Lisa use it to express indifference when their father Homer suggests a day trip.

Meh.  Better than “frenemy,” which was apparently one of the leading contenders.

Related Posts

About James Joyner
James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. Follow James on Twitter.

Comments

  1. (@AlexHorn) Another View: V.C. Investing Not Dead, Just Different: http://bit.ly/RLaI

    Helpful or Unhelpful: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

  2. @NortheastTech Another View: V.C. Investing Not Dead, Just Different: http://bit.ly/RLaI

    Helpful or Unhelpful: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

  3. Dave Schuler says:

    Meh.

    Helpful or Unhelpful: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

  4. rodney dill says:

    Meh too.

    Helpful or Unhelpful: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

  5. odograph says:

    Being a word it will be less fun, won’t it?

    Helpful or Unhelpful: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

  6. Steve Verdon says:

    Meh.

    Helpful or Unhelpful: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

  7. sam says:

    Meh, aussi.

    Helpful or Unhelpful: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

  8. G.A.Phillips says:

    meh-haw meh-haw…..

    Helpful or Unhelpful: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

  9. rodney dill says:

    Just mehvelous

    Helpful or Unhelpful: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

  10. FireWolf says:

    Look Meh! No Hands!

    Helpful or Unhelpful: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0