Dictionary

I hardly know her en · X

Pronunciation

• (US) audio
• /aɪ ˈhɑɹd.li noʊ‿əɹ/ (US)

Etymology

From the fact that a word ending in /əɹ/ (usually ⟨-er⟩ or ⟨-or⟩) sounds like a verb followed by “her” as the direct object.

Meanings

1. (US, humorous, idiomatic) A joking retort that draws attention to the possibility of sexual innuendo when a word ends with a schwar.
   • Person 1: My face is breaking out again, I gotta go buy new cleanser. Person 2: Cleanser? I hardly know her!
   • Darryl Philbin (Craig Robinson): How many people a year do you think get their arms cut off in a baler? Michael Scott (Steve Carrell): Baler? I hardly know her. 2007, The Office, season 3, episode 19:
   • Bangor? I hardly know her! *the audience erupts in laughter as I do a silly little dance* 2020 October 17, @maine_gov, Twitter, archived from the original on 18 Jul 2024:
   • [O]ppenheimer? i hardly know her! 2023 June 22, @abigail_j_lee, Twitter, archived from the original on 16 Jul 2024:

Forms