The phrase “as if” has different meanings, including as a substitute for “as if” and as a slang exclamation or interjection. It can convey disbelief or disgust, and its context affects interpretation. The modern version is associated with Valley Girl speech and was popularized by the film Clueless.
The phrase “as if” can have different meanings, depending on who is speaking and its intended effect. Commonly, a speaker may use “as if” as a substitute for “as if,” or may rely on the modern slang version to convey disbelief or disgust. When used later, the delivery can vary between exclamation or interjection. The film Clueless can be considered its point of origin, in terms of its adoption into modern parlance.
The typical use of “as if” is as a substitute for “as if”. The first instance of this was recorded in the 1500s, with variants of it emerging in the 1700s. Applying this phrase is considered a legitimate part of speech; it has, however, been adopted into modern slang and used non-traditionally as an exclamation or interjection.
For those who use it as slang, the exclamation “As if!” can be used as a response reflecting disbelief. It can be uttered immediately after a person’s speaking partner articulates something unbelievable or disgusting. The sentence is often considered an unqualified yardstick by which the listener can measure the speaker’s degree of satisfaction. For example, someone who exclaims these two words aloud might be forthright in her position, while another who mutters them might be amenable to persuasion. As with any other part of speech, the context in which the expression is used can contribute greatly to its interpretation.
“As if!” can also be used as an interjection. When applied in this way, a speaker can interrupt another person’s speech to convey that a proposed situation, idea, or belief is unlikely. Using the phrase as an interjection can cause someone to have his speech and its future content summarily ignored. It’s not uncommon for someone to drop their side of the conversation after the utterance is said. Feelings can also be hurt, as there may be an implication that the interrupted person’s thoughts are not considered valid.
The modern version of this expression is a Valley Girl type of speech and may be accompanied by the use of a high rising terminal, or rising intonation, when delivered. To the uninitiated listener, it may at first appear that the speaker is asking a question instead of stating his opinion of the speech being heard. Word delivery, however, is typically intended to convey a solid position.
The adoption of “as if” into modern parlance can be attributed to Alicia Silverstone’s character Cher in the film Clueless and her influence on American culture. The film popularized a number of expressions that speakers now consider common, including the ubiquitous “Whatever!” With its continued use among teenagers and adults, the phrase defies fad status and instead cements its place in the American vernacular.
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