# I hardly know her

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/i-hardly-know-her
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A joking retort that draws attention to the possibility of sexual innuendo when a word ends with a schwar.

## Examples

- When he said he liked her dress, I joked, I hardly know her!
- He says, "I hardly know her!" every time someone mentions the word dinner.
- My friend mentioned he was really enjoying the new manager, and I couldn't resist saying, I hardly know her!
- After the waiter asked if I wanted more butter for my bread, my brother immediately shouted, "Butter? I hardly know her!"
- When the teacher started talking about the planet Jupiter, a student in the back row whispered, "Jupiter? I hardly know her!"
- The comedian relied on the classic I hardly know her retort whenever a word ending in a similar sound provided an opening for a crude joke.

## Origin

The term arises from the phonological coincidence of the English suffix -er or -or, pronounced /əɹ/, with the phrase "her" used as a direct object. It functions as a pun on the preceding noun, treating the word as a transitive verb directed at a woman with whom the speaker claims a lack of prior acquaintance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.