French Conversation · Level 142
30 words
French word
bof
Pronunciation
IPA/bɔf/
Meaning
- interjectionmeh
Example
Le cadeau était bof.
The gift was meh.
More examples
C'est bof pour un restaurant si cher.
It's so-so for such an expensive restaurant.
Core concept
A short verbal shrug marking lukewarm approval or little interest.
Common phrases
c'est bof
It's so-so
ouais bof
Yeah, so-so
Similar words
mouais: A hesitant reply suggesting reluctance or skepticism.
ouais: An informal yes showing detached agreement.
pfff: A sighing sound conveying mild frustration or resignation.
Definition in French
Exprime l'indifférence ou une appréciation tiède, utilisée pour dire qu'une chose est moyenne ou peu convaincante et souvent employée seule en réponse.
Word origin
Bof has no securely established etymology and is generally treated as an expressive interjection that became established in familiar French.
Usage tips
- Bof is strongly informal and often stands alone as a reply, while more neutral wording suits formal situations.