I hardly know her

== English == === Alternative forms === I hardly even know her I hardly know 'er === Etymology === From the fact that a word ending in /əɹ/ (usually ⟨-er⟩ or ⟨-or⟩) sounds like a verb followed by “her” as the direct object. === Pronunciation === (US) IPA(key): /aɪ ˈhɑɹd.li noʊ‿əɹ/ === Phrase === I hardly know her (US, humorous, idiomatic) A joking retort that draws attention to the possibility of sexual innuendo when a word ends with a schwar. ==== Usage notes ==== The word used as the subject of the retort is always restated just before the retort is made. In common usage, the retort is made with almost any noun ending in /əɹ/, regardless of possible sexual innuendo, for humorous effect. === Further reading === “I hardly know her”, in Urban Dictionary, launched 1999.