What does ‘so what’ mean?

The phrase “so what” is used to express either indifference, agreement, or to emphasize something. It can also be used to suggest something is meaningless, or that an idea or opinion has no merit. In essence, it is a dismissive expression, used to dismiss an idea or opinion.

When used to express indifference

When used to express indifference, “so what” suggests that a person is not interested in what someone else has to say, or that they do not care about it. For example, if a person suggested going to a specific restaurant, and someone else replied with “so what,” they would be expressing that they do not care what the original person suggested.

When used to express agreement

“So what” can also be used to express agreement. For instance, if someone was discussing a particular topic and another person said “so what,” they would be indicating that they agree with the point made by the original speaker.

When used to emphasize something

When used to emphasize something, “so what” can also be seen as a rhetorical question or an emphatic statement. For example, if someone was discussing an issue that is important to them, and another person said “so what,” they would be emphasizing the importance of the issue, expressing that it matters and should not be dismissed.

When used to suggest something is meaningless

In addition, “so what” can be used to suggest something is meaningless or without value. For example, if someone presented an idea or opinion, and another person said “so what,” they would be implying that the idea or opinion has no merit.

Understanding Context

When interpreting the meaning of the phrase “so what” it is important to pay attention to the context. Depending on how it is used, the phrase can be interpreted in different ways. Generally, when used alone, it will likely express indifference, agreement, or an attempt to dismiss an idea or opinion. When used in combination with other words, however, it can be used to emphasize something or suggest something has no value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “so what” is a multifaceted phrase that can be used to express indifference, agreement, or to emphasize something. Alternately, it can be used to suggest something is meaningless or has no value. Ultimately, it is important to take care to understand the context of the phrase when interpreting its meaning.