so so

S

so-so

Meaning

• average – neither bad and nor good
• between good and bad
• somewhere between average and bad
• It can be used to show indifference

Grammar Note: The set phrase “so-so” is generally used as an adjective to describe an experience or object but it can also be used as an adverb.

Example Sentences

1. The new restaurant in town is so-so. It is not the worst food that I have ever eaten, but I would not go back.
2. My new job is so-so. I enjoy the benefits, but I find that it is very boring.
3. I find that the new Batman movie was just so-so. I expected so much more after the big budget and excitement that surrounded it.
4. The food on our trip was so-so. I refused to try all of the strange local cuisine.
5. “How is Jane’s new boyfriend?” “So so.”
6. “How is it going today, Pete.” “So-so.”

Origin

The word originated in the mid-1500s. It is derived from the mid-13^th century word so, which means “in this state or condition.” It has been used as an adjective meaning “mediocre” since the 1540s.

It is not a commonly used phrase and falls into the lower 50% of used phrases. There is a similar word in most languages meaning more or less the same things.

Synonyms of “So So”

• average
• fair
• mediocre
• unremarkable
• indifferent
• passable
• okay
• all right
• moderate

About the Author

Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching at both the K–12 and university levels, with a particular focus on English as a Second Language. Elena has dedicated her career to advancing educational practices, and she has contributed to numerous educational journals.

Important

Last update: September 20, 2023 4:34 PM