Poe

/pəʊ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: Poeing · Poed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A person whose views, statements, or behaviour are so extreme or satirical that it is impossible to tell whether they are sincere or parodic.

Noun

Examples

A person who writes a parody of a Fundamentalist that is mistaken for the real thing. Due to Poe's law, it is almost impossible to tell if a person is a Poe unless they admit to it.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A post, comment, or message whose sincerity cannot be determined; specifically, one that may be parody, satire, or trolling, but could also be a genuine expression of belief.

Noun

Examples

In this context, a Poe refers to a person, post, or news story that could cause Poe's law to be invoked.… A typical phrase would be “it’s a Poe, guys, don’t be so stupid” when an extremely rational link is posted.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To impersonate or mimic an extreme viewpoint in a way that invokes Poe's law.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To write or create a message so extreme or parodic that it is difficult to distinguish from sincere extremism.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “Poe” mean?

A person whose views, statements, or behaviour are so extreme or satirical that it is impossible to tell whether they are sincere or parodic.

Is “Poe” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.