Tonight I had occasion to respond to someone's arrogant, obnoxious question with the phrase, "Neener neener!"

Question

What's the origin of "Neener, Neener, Neener!" or its analogue, "Nyahh-nyahh!"...? And why are they always in the same childish sing-song tone...? Is this a cutural phenomenon, or is it truly a universal thing...?

Answer 1

Tracking down an etymology for 'neener neener' has proven to be an almost fruitless task. I defy you (in a kind and loving way, naturally) to undertake this work for yourself and to share your findings.

The best result I could find was in Jennifer Larson's archived weblog. Check it out:

Reader CarolAnn writes, "Jen—do you have any idea where the children's phrase.....'ne ner ne ner ne ner' came from? Thanks."

Wow, that is a tough one. I don't know any original sources for neener-neener or its sister nyah-nyah...but if I were to fabricate an explanation, I'd say it likely comes from Old English ne, which means "no" or "not."

Answer 2

I don't know but that is funny (Neener, neener, neeeeneeerrr) - I often find myself wondering how my husband and I both know so many of these little childhood "sayings" when we grew up in different areas. Some things really are universal, I guess!

Answer 3

NA na NA na
neener neener neeeeener!
nana nana boo boo!
nanny nanny naaaneeee!
nyahh nyahh nyaaaaahhh!................I think it's universal.Where it came from is an unsolved mystery.

I heard a radio talk show discuss this topic years back and they had gone to different countries and recorded kids singing this lil tune.
Some sang it fast.Some sang it slowly. Some stretched it out..... it was amusing.

Answer 4

I don't know either, but in the spirit of muddy water, we said Nanner Nanner in Ohio

Answer 5

i think it probably came from children...babbling and all that

Answer 6

i think its just children...they understand why they do it...i have no clue..and i still say it...lol