pooh-pooh
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pooh-pooh
First recorded in 1820–30; v. use of reduplication of pooh 1
Vocabulary lists containing pooh-pooh
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I’m sure there’s a way to pooh-pooh Tuesday’s outburst by pointing out the expansion of the cup from 32 to 48 teams and arguing the competition is diluted and the stars are feasting.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026
It also doesn’t surprise me that you pooh-pooh Newsom’s prospects.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 14, 2025
One might pooh-pooh the rise of the nine-figure donor and say it doesn’t matter.
From Slate ● Mar. 27, 2025
While some people may pooh-pooh such products, items such as bottarga or even baccala are genuinely cherished in fine dining and Italian-American circles, respectively.
From Salon ● May 12, 2023
Initially, President Eisenhower tried to pooh-pooh the Russians’ “small ball in the air” as an insignificant achievement, but the American people would have none of it.
From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
