Cool MateBig whoop vs So what
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Big whoop
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
So what
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most common: So what
| Big whoop | So what | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bɪɡ wʊp//🇺🇸 //bɪɡ wʊp// | 🇬🇧 //səʊ wɒt//🇺🇸 //soʊ wɑt// |
| Meaning | A phrase used to say something is not impressive or important. | A phrase used to express indifference or lack of concern. |
| Example | She got a trophy for participation, but I thought 'big whoop'. | He failed the test, and I just said, 'So what? It's not the end of the world.' |
| Register | Informal | Informal |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | say big whoop, think big whoop, big whoop reaction | say so what, act like it matters, respond with so what |
| Common mistakes | Using it in formal discussions., Confusing it with 'big deal', which can be more positive., Overusing it with sarcasm, making it less impactful. | Using it in formal writing or speeches., Confusing its meaning with 'so what?' as a question., Overusing it in conversations, which can seem dismissive. |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversations to downplay something. It's not suitable for formal situations or serious contexts. | Used in casual conversations to dismiss a comment or situation. Avoid in formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Big whoop vs So what
What's the difference between Big whoop and So what?
Big whoop: A phrase used to say something is not impressive or important. So what: A phrase used to express indifference or lack of concern.
Which is more common: Big whoop and So what?
So what is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Big whoop: She got a trophy for participation, but I thought 'big whoop'. So what: He failed the test, and I just said, 'So what? It's not the end of the world.'
Can I use Big whoop and So what interchangeably?
Not always. Big whoop and So what are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.