Meh

Part of speech: interjection

Pronunciation: /mɛ/

Definitions

1. An expression of indifference, boredom, or mild disappointment used to convey a lack of enthusiasm or interest
2. A term conveying a sense of apathy or indifference regarding a situation or topic, often implying mild dissatisfaction or lack of strong opinion
3. This expression indicates a feeling of disinterest or boredom, often used to casually dismiss something thought to be unremarkable

Etymology: Most people assume "meh" is a recent invention, and its best-known spread is indeed recent: it was popularized by the American animated sitcom The Simpsons, and the show's first use of it came in the episode "Sideshow Bob Roberts" in 1994. Its roots go back much further. The word is possibly ultimately from Yiddish "me," meaning "so-so," and the earliest attestation of the form dates to 1928, long before any cartoon character reached for it. The interjection use, the one that expresses shrugging indifference, is the part of the story that is dated to 1992. So the sense that makes "meh" useful as a dismissive sigh was in circulation a few years before The Simpsons gave it national exposure, and the show then carried it into everyday speech.

Synonyms: indifferent, uninterested, apathetic, unimpressed, disinterested

Antonyms: enthusiastic, excited, interested, engaged, passionate