Movies - TV
How ‘Meh’ Became One Of The Simpsons’ Most Famous Lines
By RAFAEL MOTAMAYOR
While there are many memorable quotes throughout TV and movies, “The Simpsons” has managed to do what few others have — introduce new words to
the English language.
One of these words is “meh,” first used in the Season 6 episode “Sideshow Bob Roberts.” It was John Swartzwelder, one of the show’s most legendary writers, who coined the word.
Swartzwelder joined “The Simpsons” in Season 1 and quickly became one of its most acclaimed writers. He is credited with writing the largest number of episodes of the show.
The writer affirmed his role in adding “meh” to the iconic cartoon during an interview with The New Yorker, saying, “I do claim credit for that.”
Swartzwelder explained, “I originally heard the word from Howie Krakow, my creative director at [advertising agency] Hurvis, Binzer & Churchill, in 1970 or 1971.”
He added, “He said it was the funniest word in the world. I don’t know when it was invented, or by who, but I got the impression it was already very old when Howie told it to me.”