What Does Ehhh Mean (and Why Do People Say It)?

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What someone really means when say they say "ehhh" in a text

Co-authored by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: May 30, 2024 Fact Checked

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Ehhh Meaning

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How to Respond

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Alternatives for “Ehhh”

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“Ehhh” in Japanese

From showing surprise to requesting clarification, “ehhh” can mean several different things when it pops up on your phone screen. We’re here to help you decode the meaning in your own messages, so you can be totally in the loop. We’ll even go over some alternatives for “ehhh” (along with some bonus cultural context), so you can have the full picture.

What does “ehhh” mean?

“Ehhh” is a casual way to show surprise in a conversation, or it can be used to ask for a further explanation about something. In some cases, “ehhh” can be used to disagree with or show disinterest to something within a conversation.

Section 1 of 4:

“Ehhh” Meaning in Text

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1
Showing surprise Did you just drop a bombshell in a conversation or say something otherwise unexpected? A person might reply with “Ehhh?” to show how shocked and off-guard they are.
- Person A: “We have to read all of Chapter 9 by tomorrow.”
  Person B: “Ehhh?”
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Requesting an explanation If you sent a message that the other person found confusing, they might send an “Eh?” or “Ehhh?” to try and clear things up.^{[1]
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- Person A: “//////////////////iiyycs”
  Person B: “Ehhh?”
  Person A: “LOL sorry my cat just stepped on my keyboard”
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Expressing disagreement or disinterest Did you just make a suggestion or ask someone’s opinion of something? If their response was “ehhh,” they might disagree with or be disinterested in your original statement.
- Person A: “Wanna see a movie on Friday?”
  Person B: “Ehhh…”

Section 2 of 4:

How to Respond to “Ehhh”

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Follow the natural flow of the conversation. “Ehhh” can mean a lot of different things, and there isn’t a “right” or “wrong” way to answer—it all depends on where your text convo and how well you know the person you’re speaking with.
- Person A: “Ehhh?! You’re dating someone?”
  Person B: “No need to act so surprised 😛”
- Person A: “I think I have a case of pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis.”
  Person B: “Ehhh?”
  Person A: “I breathed in some volcanic ash.”
- Person A: “Are you a fan of horror movies?”
  Person B: “Ehhh…”
  Person A: “That’s fair. I’m not a huge fan myself.”

Section 3 of 4:

Alternatives for “Ehhh”

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1
Showing surprise: “Are you serious?” Any standard expression of surprise can work in lieu of “ehhh.” Add a little personality and drama to your messages with alternatives like:
- OMG what?!
- You’re kidding me…
- Huh?!
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Requesting an explanation: “Come again?” If you’re confused about what someone’s said, it’s totally valid (and good!) to ask for a little clarification and make sure you’re on the same page.
- Could you repeat that?
- Sorry, I didn’t quite get that…
- Would you mind explaining that again?
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Expressing disagreement or disinterest: “Nah…” How you choose to disagree with or decline something in a conversation ultimately depends on who you’re speaking with. Don’t feel like you have to mince words by saying “ehhh”—instead, be respectfully straightforward about what’s on your mind.
- Nah, I’m not interested.
- That’s not my cup of tea.
- No thanks!
- Tip: If you’re declining an invitation, you don’t have to give a long-winded explanation. You’re completely within your rights to just say no!^{[2]
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Section 4 of 4:

“Ehhh” in Japanese

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“Ehhh” is used in Japan to show surprise or request clarification. Spelled as either “え?” or “えーーー？！” (え is pronounced as “eh”), this response is a pretty common element of Japanese jargon. When confused, someone might say “え” to get clarification on something confusing.^{[3]
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Research source} Alternatively, they might say “えーーー？！” as a more dramatic exclamation when they’re surprised.^{[4]
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- In Japanese, “え” (eh) and “えっと” (etto) can be used as filler language in a conversation (like “uh” or “um”).^{[5]
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- According to some Japanese speakers, “eh?” can also be used as a means of saying no, or as a way to show happiness (like when responding to a compliment).