(I like to think that we were somewhat responsible for this)

Nothing to get excited about: The indifferent 'meh' gains place in English dictionary
By JILL LAWLESS | Associated Press Writer
7:23 PM EST, November 16, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ At least someone is excited about "meh."

The expression of indifference or boredom has gained a place in the Collins English Dictionary after generating a surprising amount of enthusiasm among lexicographers.

Publisher HarperCollins announced Monday the word had been chosen from terms suggested by the public for inclusion in the dictionary's 30th anniversary edition, to be published next year.

The origins of "meh" are murky, but the term grew in popularity after being used in a 2001 episode of "The Simpsons" in which Homer suggests a day trip to his children Bart and Lisa.



"They both just reply 'meh' and keep watching TV," said Cormac McKeown, head of content at Collins Dictionaries.

The dictionary defines "meh" as an expression of indifference or boredom, or an adjective meaning mediocre or boring. Examples given by the dictionary include "the Canadian election was so meh."

The dictionary's compilers said the word originated in North America, spread through the Internet and was now entering British spoken English.

"This is a new interjection from the U.S. that seems to have inveigled its way into common speech over here," McKeown said. "Internet forums and e-mail are playing a big part in formalizing the spellings of vocal interjections like these. A couple of other examples would be 'hmm' and 'heh.'

"Meh" was selected by Collins after it asked people to submit words they use in conversation that are not in the dictionary. Other suggestions included jargonaut, a fan of jargon; frenemy, an enemy disguised as a friend; and huggles, a hybrid of hugs and snuggles.

oooh i love "meh". very useful (non*) word.


*well, now i suppose it is.

EDIT: that's a shitty example.

It's in Lisa's Wedding which is from 1995.

DEFINITELY—

Sorry, middle of a project requiring caps.

But I was definitely saying "meh" before 2001. Not sure if it's because of The Simpsons.

I don't know, have you ever followed the Canadian election? I put it this way: "The American election is entertaining: charismatic Afican-American liberal vs. conservative war hero old white guy. The Canadian election is middle-aged white guy vs. old white french-Canadian, vs. old white French-Canadian, vs. old white guy, vs. doesn't have a prayer middle-aged green party woman."

Wait, is it in the dictionary as a noun?

i mean the structure - "that was meh" isn't how i use it (i say "meh" in response to questions - i.e. "how was X?" / "meh.").

Ah okay, that makes sense, and I concur.

Contemplating this further I've decided this is really fucking stupid as a word.

I cannot believe it took nine responses to get to the obvious reaction:

Meh.

Let me know when they add TEH.

Hey, whatever happened to Forgo/Aneg? Does she have some new handle or did she split?

MIA. Girl needs to get her ass back here.

Actually, her absence shows wisdom.

MIA comin back wit powah powah.

How about "samey"? Comes in just about as handy when discussing music.

People have been saying this word for centuries.

Rumor has it, next year's dictionary additions may include such gems at CUL8R, furreals, and whatevs.