'Meh': Apathetic expression enters dictionary

[Flynne]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081117/...itain_new_word

This article made me think immediately of Brian, and reading further into the article I saw this:

"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."



Full article:

By JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press Writer Jill Lawless, Associated Press Writer – Sun Nov 16, 7:23 pm ET

LONDON – 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.

[cjefferys]

"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.'

I've seen "Hmm" and "Heh" used in print long before I started venturing on the internet. But I did become familiar with "Meh" on the interwebs. I have yet to use it in everyday conversation though, it would just feel forced.

[Earth 2 Chris]

Who cares.


Chris

[HardyGirl]

Well, if "booty-licious" can get into the dictionary, so can "meh".

[EMCE Hammer]

Meh.......

[Sideshow Spock]

Feh...