So what? means “why does that matter?” or “I don't care”. You use it to show that someone's remark or news doesn't bother you. It is informal and quite blunt: fine with friends, but rude with your boss or a stranger. Softer options are Does it matter? or Why is that a problem?
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So what?; So what if + clause?; (neutral) Does it matter?
- 'Your shirt doesn't match your trousers.' 'So what? Nobody at the party will care.'
- So what if I failed the first test? I still have two more chances to pass.
- 'The flight leaves at six in the morning.' 'So what? We can sleep on the plane.'
What changed
First version'Then my boss called me into his office.' 'So what?'
Revision'Then my boss called me into his office.' 'What happened next?'
So what? is not a curious “and?” that asks someone to go on with a story. In conversation it means “I don't care” and cuts the speaker off. When you want to hear the rest, ask What happened next? or And then?
So what if + clause helps you argue back: So what if it rains? We'll take umbrellas. Don't confuse it with an ordinary question that starts with so: So, what did the doctor say? Here so simply introduces the question, and there is nothing rude about it.
Your turn
'Everyone will see that you've dyed your hair green!' '___? It's my hair, and I like it.'
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So what — The person is defending their choice and showing that other people's opinions don't bother them, so So what fits. And then what asks someone to continue a story, and nobody is telling one here.
Write a short argument with a friend: they criticise something you bought or your hobby, and you reply with so what if and explain what you like about it.
'That phone is three years old.' 'So what if it's old? It works perfectly, and I love the camera.'
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