Blah
/blɑː/noun
Used to describe speech, writing, or ideas regarded as boring, meaningless, or unimportant.
Did you know?Unlike many dramatic words, “blah” has no securely documented ancient root; it is an expressive sound-word associated with tiresome or meaningless speech.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
French
blabla
“An expressive repetition suggesting empty, monotonous, or meaningless talk; the precise origin is uncertain.”
Late 19th Century
English
blah-blah
“A reduplicated expression for tiresome or meaningless speech, probably influenced by similar expressive forms in French and other languages.”
1918
English
blah
“Recorded in American English as an expression for dull, nonsensical, or empty talk.”
20th Century
English
blah
“Extended from empty speech to anything boring, unimpressive, or emotionally flat.”
Modern English
English
blah
“An informal term for tedious talk, routine material, or a feeling of indifference.”