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Etymology Journal ยท O

Oh brother!

Meaning

A classic expression of exasperation or annoyance at someone else's silliness. It is a mild way to roll your eyes without actually saying anything mean.

Exasperated, eye-rolling

Used in a sentence

  • Oh brother, do not tell me you forgot the keys in the car again.
  • He is starting his long story about the fish he caught. Oh brother.
  • If he complains about the heat one more time, I might scream. Oh brother.

The backstory

This phrase became popular in the early 20th century as a euphemism for stronger exclamations. It functions similarly to oh boy but implies more frustration with a person's logic.

Heard in

Nationwide

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