Posted by Dave Thewlis on November 11, 2002 at 15:31:45 from 148.78.249.10 user dthewlis.
In Reply to: Re: Naming a yacht - continued-duh...huh? posted by John Lambert on November 11, 2002 at 14:45:14:
I am under the impression that the combination of slapping the forehead and saying "Duh!" can be attributed to (or was at least popularized into becoming a cultural phenomenon) by Homer Simpson in the animated television series "The Simpsons." I've never seen it so cannot confirm for sure. I rather doubt this was the origin but appears to have been the driver for widespread recognition.
I think as generally used, the "Duh" is an acknowledgement of something that is patently self-evident to anybody with a shred of intelligence or awareness. And it can be used either to indicate wry awareness that one was being stupid, or acknowledgement of how unaware somebody else is. Or both