Bah Humbug | Meaning, Definition & Origin

’Tis the season when you might start hearing the expression “Bah, humbug!”—a phrase used to show annoyance or displeasure towards something others typically enjoy, like Christmas, holidays, or other festive celebrations.

Curious about how to use bah humbug in different contexts? QuillBot’s AI Chat is here to help.

What does bah humbug mean?

Bah humbug is an expression used to declare that something is nonsense, annoying, or not worth celebrating—a bit of a Grinch-like attitude, if you will. It often shows disapproval, grumpiness, or a lack of excitement.

It basically means:

• I don’t like this
• I’m not interested in this cheerfulness
• This is silly or pointless

The expression “bah humbug” comes from the famous story A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens. The main character, Ebenezer Scrooge, famously says, “Bah! Humbug!” to show his disdain for Christmas cheer. Because he used the phrase so often, it became a well-known way to describe someone who is grumpy about celebrations.

What does humbug mean?

Humbug is an old English slang word dating back to the 1700s that meant a trick, deception, or nonsense. It was used to describe something or someone as fake or misleading.

“Bah” and “humbug” together create a strong, irritated dismissal of something—

• “Bah” is an annoyed, grumpy sound.
• “Humbug” means “nonsense” or “fraud”.

Frequently asked questions about Bah Humbug

What are some funny, sarcastic Christmas quotes?

Here are some of the most famous, funny, and sarcastic Christmas quotes from well-loved holiday movies and books.

• “Bah! Humbug!” – A Christmas Carol
• “You sit on a throne of lies!” – Elf
• “Hate, hate, hate. Double hate. Loathe entirely.” – The Grinch
• This is Christmas. The season of perpetual hope…and family.” – Home Alone

Other funny and sarcastic Christmas quotes include:

• “I’m only a morning person on December 25th.”
• “Nothing says Christmas like trying to untangle lights for three hours.”
• “All I want for Christmas is my sanity.”

Wanting more Christmas quote inspiration? Ask QuillBot’s AI Chat

What does Scrooge mean?

“Scrooge” comes from the main character, Ebenezer Scrooge, in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Today, the name is commonly used as a noun and even as a verb to describe someone with a negative attitude.

For instance, a Scrooge is someone who is:

• Grumpy
• Unfriendly
• Dislikes celebrations (especially Christmas)
• Not generous

Ask QuillBot’s AI Chat for ways to use the term “Scrooge”.