Language evolution strikes again.

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by papa_dog_1999, Nov 17, 2008.

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  1. papa_dog_1999

    papa_dog_1999 Well-Known Member

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    Now we can use it and feel 'official'
    Meh. Meh. Meh.

    http://www.theage.com.au/world/meh-apathetic-expression-gets-dictionary-excited-20081117-68s9.html
    --article below--
    'Meh': apathetic expression gets dictionary excited

    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 on 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 US that seems to have inveigled its way into common speech over here," McKeown said. "Internet forums and email are playing a big part in formalising 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.
     
  2. Philes

    Philes Well-Known Member

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  3. Vorak

    Vorak Administrator Staff Member

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    They didn't even ask my permission.
     
  4. Dirtman

    Dirtman New Member

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    Meh, does anybody even use words like jargonaut or frenemy? :/
     
  5. Xiao_Caity

    Xiao_Caity New Member

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    Jargonaut? Frenemy? Huh?

    Meh is gonna be in dictionary? Niiiiice.
     
  6. Dark Elf

    Dark Elf Administrator Staff Member

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    The world of English dictionaries will remain shallow and empty before the apes at Oxford decide to include "fuckwit".
     
  7. Fromage

    Fromage New Member

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    Well, everything else aside, they certainly chose the least crappy word.
     
  8. magikot

    magikot Well-Known Member

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    2001? I've been saying meh long before that.
     
  9. wobbler

    wobbler Well-Known Member

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    They only said it gained popularity.

    And, meh.
     
  10. Jungle Japes

    Jungle Japes Well-Known Member

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    Now that it's official, I don't think I can use it anymore. It takes the fun out of it.
     
  11. Grakelin

    Grakelin New Member

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    You mean to say, Japes, that you're pretty meh* about the whole thing?

    *I demand this is added to the Firefox dictionary
     
  12. Telcontar

    Telcontar Well-Known Member

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    I agree with Japes. Now it is recognised it kind of loses the intensity of its "who gives a fuck" meaning.
     
  13. GrimmHatter

    GrimmHatter Active Member

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    This whole thread is giving me a heaping dose of "meh."
     
  14. Telcontar

    Telcontar Well-Known Member

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    This whole meh thing is making me feel meh about this topic and meh itself.
     
  15. Grossenschwamm

    Grossenschwamm Well-Known Member

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    A triple "meh?" You must have a deeply rooted sense of apathy.
     
  16. GrimmHatter

    GrimmHatter Active Member

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    Or mono. Someone here was just getting over that I think.
     
  17. Xz

    Xz Monkey Admin Staff Member

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