noun
Uncommon
Poe
poh
Poe (noun) means an online post or statement so extreme that readers can't tell if it's sincere or satire. Example: “That rant was such a poe I genuinely couldn't tell if he meant it.”
noun
1
An online post or statement so extreme that readers can't tell if it's sincere or satire.
"That rant was such a poe I genuinely couldn't tell if he meant it."
verb
1
To write or perform an extreme statement so convincingly that it's impossible to tell if it's genuine or a parody.
"She was just poeing the whole time, but half the comments section took it seriously."
How to use Poe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInternet slang for a statement or post so extreme it's impossible to tell if it's a joke or genuine.
When to use it
Internet slang, mostly used in online forums and social media.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Poes
- Third person singular
- Poes
- Past tense
- Poed
Fill the gap
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That rant was such a _____ I genuinely couldn't tell if he meant it.
Etymology
Named after Poe's law, an internet adage (itself named after a 2005 online commenter, not the author Edgar Allan Poe) stating that without clear markers, extreme satire is indistinguishable from sincere extremism.
Rhymes for Poe
See all rhymes for Poe →Frequently asked questions
What does “Poe” mean?
The word “Poe” means an online post or statement so extreme that readers can't tell if it's sincere or satire. In plain terms, internet slang for a statement or post so extreme it's impossible to tell if it's a joke or genuine.
How do you pronounce “Poe”?
“Poe” is pronounced poh (/poʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Poe” in a sentence?
Here is “Poe” used in a sentence: “That rant was such a poe I genuinely couldn't tell if he meant it.”
What part of speech is “Poe”?
Depending on how it is used, “Poe” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “Poe” come from?
The word “Poe” dates back to around 2005. Named after Poe's law, an internet adage (itself named after a 2005 online commenter, not the author Edgar Allan Poe) stating that without clear markers, extreme satire is indistinguishable from sincere extremism.
Is “Poe” a common word?
“Poe” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Poe” have?
“Poe” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an online post or statement so extreme that readers can't tell if it's sincere or satire.
What does it mean to "Poe" someone online?
To Poe someone means to write or perform a statement so extreme that readers genuinely cannot tell whether it is sincere or satire. The result, also called a Poe, is a post or comment that convinces some readers it is real even though it was meant as a parody.
Is "Poe" related to Poe's Law?
Yes, the term comes from Poe's Law, the internet adage that without a clear signal of humor, an extreme parody can be indistinguishable from a genuine extremist statement. A "Poe" is the piece of content that demonstrates that law in action.
What is the difference between a Poe and ordinary satire?
Ordinary satire is usually recognizable as exaggeration or mockery, while a Poe is deliberately convincing enough that readers split on whether it is genuine. The defining feature of a Poe is that ambiguity, not just the use of irony.
