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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