so what?

INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase so what?

Meaning

If someone says something that doesn't seem important, or doesn't seem to matter, you can say "so what?"

For example

  • "You'll never make much money if you're a teacher."
    "So what? Money isn't everything, you know."

  • "But some of these refugees can't even speak English!"
    "So what? It won't take them long to learn."

Note:
Be careful when using this. You might accidentally imply that the person you're talking to isn't important or doesn't matter.

Quick Quiz

Ray said, "We're going to be late!" and Kim said, "So what?"

a. Kim didn't want to be late

b. Kim didn't think they'd be late

c. Kim didn't care if they were late
a) Kim didn't want to be late b) Kim didn't think they'd be late c) Kim didn't care if they were late

Contributor: Matt Errey