🌍 Neither Here Nor There: A Journey Through Unimportance 🚶♂️
neither here nor there - When something is utterly insignificant or irrelevant. Coined in the sixteenth century, this phrase made noted guest appearances in Arthur Golding’s translation of Calvin (1583) – “Our so dooing is neither here nor there (as they say)” – and even graced Shakespeare’s literary stage in The Merry Wives of Windsor and Othello. Essentially, it’s when something fits anywhere but nowhere—it’s like being told tarantulas make great pets: interesting, but not exactly vital information!
🎭 Related Terms and Idioms
- Beside the point - Equally unimportant as a 10th toe; that means it’s irrelevant.
- Irrelevant - Amazingly synonymous with ‘neither here nor there,’ i.e., barking up the wrong tree with fervent enthusiasm.
- Off the subject - Halfway to Pluto but aimed for school; freewheeling loose in a cosmic sense.
📚 Synonyms
- Irrelevant
- Unimportant
- Immaterial
- Beside the point
🚫 Antonyms
- Relevant
- Pertinent
- Important
- Crucial
😂 Humorous Quotes
- “Discussing the weight of unicorn feather pillows is neither here nor there when you owe the bank a fortune.” – W. T. Wittywords
- “Neither here nor there. Interesting details about extraterrestrial sock quilters, but I have a test in the morning!” – Some College Student Somewhere
🧠 Thought-Provoking Proverbs and Expressions
- “So far as medicine goes, everything complicated is nonsense, but not useless nonsense, just neither here nor there nonsense.” – Hippadgettaboutit (Fictitious Ancient Philosopher)
- “Describing every dish on the menu in profound detail—that’s neither here nor there when your dinner guest is hangry.” – Old diner advice, circa late 1800s
📚 Recommended Literature
- “Ulysses” by James Joyce: A novel where some may say whole chapters are neither here nor there, yet it’s a literary giant.
- “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller: Filled with absurdities sometimes both neither here and neither there, wrestling with bureaucracy and nonsense.
🎶 Suggested Songs
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen: “Any way the wind blows, doesn’t really matter…” encapsulates the essence of ’neither here nor there.'
- “Paperback Writer” by The Beatles: Dreaming of snippets, connections, and baffles—I not here nor there got you.
🎬 Films and Shows
- “Seinfeld”: A show often described as ‘about nothing,’ where everything and yet nothing is problematic or pertinent.
- “Alice in Wonderland”: Vivid, essential, delightful explorations that are ultimately unrelated to everyday gardening errands.
🎰 Quizzes
### Which of these reflects the idiom 'neither here nor there'?
- [ ] Essential data
- [x] Useless trivia
- [ ] Crucial meeting notes
- [ ] Direct command
> **Explanation:** Useless trivia is purely ‘neither here nor there’ as it serves zero utilitarian function in many relevant conversations.
### Which statement best exemplifies something neither here nor there?
- [ ] Tomorrow’s exam preparation tips
- [ ] Actual traffic updates
- [ ] Random facts about medieval laundromats
- [x] Describing pineapple pizza toppings during jury duty
> **Explanation:** Yarns about pineapple pizza while deciding your fellow citizen's fate is purely neither here nor there.
### True or False: 'Neither here nor there' signifies relevant and important information.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** This phrase is the antithesis of relevance. It’s practically on vacation—neither here nor there.
### How would you use 'neither here nor there' in context?
- [x] Arguing if the sky is periwinkle when flying pigs are on parade.
- [ ] Listing ingredients for tonight’s crucial dinner preparation.
- [ ] Tracking critical project milestones for weekly review.
- [ ] Arranging a critical emergency meeting plan.
> **Explanation:** Discussing hypothetical skies with pigs flying is neither here nor there—utterly irrelevant!
“Language is power, but humor holds the greater charm. Seek the joy in every twisty word and enigmas resolved in narrative wonder!” – W. T. Wittywords, October 1, 2023
