The correct spelling of the phrase "neither here nor there" is often mistaken as "neither here or there." The pronunciation of the word "nor" as opposed to "or" is important in distinguishing the correct usage. In IPA phonetic transcription, "nor" is pronounced as /nɔr/ while "or" is pronounced as /ɔr/. Therefore, it is important to use "nor" when expressing that something does not belong in either location or situation, rather than mistakenly using "or" which changes the intended meaning.
"Neither here nor there" is an idiomatic expression that is typically used to describe something that is irrelevant or inconsequential to a particular situation or discussion. It signifies that the matter at hand does not have any significant impact or relevance and should not be considered as a contributing factor to the topic being discussed.
In essence, when something is described as "neither here nor there," it is suggested that it holds no relevance or influence on the matter being discussed. It may refer to irrelevant information, side discussions, or tangents that do not contribute to the main point or objective of the conversation or argument.
The phrase can also be used to denote a situation or idea that is ambiguous or does not fit neatly into a specific category. It implies that the matter is neither a direct or clear example of something, hence not easily assignable to a specific place, category, or stance.
The origin of the expression can be traced back to the 16th century, where "here" and "there" were used to denote contrasting places or ideas. Over time, "neither here nor there" has become a widely accepted phrase in the English language. It is commonly used in casual conversations, discussions, debates, and even in written texts to convey the lack of significance or relevance of a particular subject matter.