What does "boh" mean?

I have no idea — a shrug in one syllable.

Language

🇮🇹 Italian

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BOH

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How it's actually used

The definitive Italian non-answer, always with the shoulders and often the hands. It is a complete, acceptable reply to almost any question and Italians use it constantly.

Examples

• —Dove sono le chiavi? —Boh. "Where are the keys?" "No clue."
• Boh, vedremo. Dunno, we'll see.

More slang like this

• magari — I wish! / maybe / if only.
• allora — So… / well then — the great Italian sentence-starter.
• dai — Come on! — encouragement, disbelief, or mild impatience.
• che palle — What a pain / so annoying.
• figo — Cool, awesome — or good-looking.
• meno male — Thank goodness — literally "less bad."

All Italian slang →