What Is The 'Nuh Uh' Meme? The Meaning Of 'Nuh Uh' Explained

Have you been on the search for a funnier way to say "no?" Well, apparently some people have, which has given rise to a recent series of memes focused on the term "nuh uh" instead. But why are there so many memes that use "nuh uh" and what is so funny about them? Here's what you need to know.

What Is The 'Nuh Uh' Meme?

Back in January 2022, a GIF of the meme character Scripulous Fingore wagging his finger at the viewer captioned "nuh uh" was posted on Tenor. From there, the meme started to spread online, inspiring other memes using the phrase "nuh uh." Nuh uh, of course, is an alternative to saying "no," but with a little more sass behind it.

Since then, memes using "nuh uh" instead of "no" have only continued to spread. The memes are incredibly simple and take their humor from the casual, sassy and sometimes childish assumed tone that comes with saying "nuh uh."

How Is 'Nuh Uh' Used In Memes?

"Nuh uh" memes became particularly popular throughout 2022. Most of the memes simply work the phrase "nuh uh" into a situation, with many examples seeing characters using the phrase to tell someone that what they're saying is false. It's also used in more absurd and meaningless ways, such as a viral meme showing a photorealistic Vaporeon saying the phrase.

The memes are often used as reaction images for the times when a person might want to say "no" to a post. In 2023, the meme inspired another series of memes known as the "nuh uh" Spider-Man meme, based on a scene from Into the Spiderverse where Miles Morales drops Peter Parker into a portal. These memes feature Morales saying "nuh uh" before dropping Parker.

For the full history of "nuh uh" memes, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.