- To understand the underlying message, implication, hint, or vibe that someone is conveying, often indirectly.
- To grasp the unspoken meaning.
Explanation
Origin
- African American Vernacular English (AAVE), with roots possibly in jazz and beatnik slang of the mid-20th century.
- Putting down refers to presenting or expressing something (an idea, feeling, musical phrase, information).
- Picking up refers to receiving, perceiving, and understanding that expression.
- It emphasizes intuitive or subtle comprehension.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Standard:
- I understand what you're implying.
- I get your meaning.
- I see where this is going.
Slang/Informal:
- I catch your drift.
- I feel you. / I feel that.
- Word. (AAVE signifies understanding/agreement)
- True dat. (AAVE/Slang agreement with an implied point. From That is true.)
- I dig it. / I can dig it. (Older slang)
- Gotcha. / Right.
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Not typically used for this subtle meaning. Focus would shift to strong agreement: Fuck yeah, I know exactly what you mean.
Situational Appropriateness
- Highly informal slang.
- Use with friends or people who share a similar casual linguistic style and are likely familiar with the expression.
- Avoid entirely in formal or professional settings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Highly idiomatic and slangy.
- Very likely to be misunderstood by learners or those unfamiliar with the expression, who might try to interpret it literally about physical objects. Explain the expressing/understanding metaphor.
Examples
- He didn't explicitly say he was unhappy, but I could pick up what he was putting down.
- (Said with a wink) Make sure you're 'sick' on Friday, if you pick up what I'm putting down.
- Are you picking up what I'm putting down? This situation is more serious than it looks.
Dialogue
Employee 1: The manager keeps talking about 'restructuring' and 'finding efficiencies'... lots of closed-door meetings.
Employee 2: Oof. Yeah, I'm picking up what you're putting down. Doesn't sound good.
Employee 1: My thoughts exactly. Time to update the resume, maybe.
Social Media Examples
- Music forum: You can tell the bassist wasn't happy with the tempo change, just listen to his playing in the third verse... if you pick up what I'm putting down. 😉 #MusicAnalysis
- Tweet reply: User A: My cat keeps 'accidentally' knocking things off the table. User B: Haha, I pick up what he's putting down. Someone wants attention! 😻
Response Patterns
Affirmative (understanding):
- Yeah, I pick it up. / I pick up what you're putting down.
- Loud and clear.
- I feel you. / I feel that. (AAVE/Slang for understanding/empathy)
- Word. (AAVE/Slang affirmation/understanding)
- Gotcha. / I get it.
- Say no more. (Implies full understanding)
Negative (confusion):
- Sorry, I'm not following.
- What do you mean exactly?
- I don't think I'm picking up what you're putting down.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
If understanding is confirmed (Yeah, I feel you):
- The conversation proceeds based on the shared understanding. May involve a nod, a knowing glance, or moving to the implications.
If confusion is expressed (What do you mean?):
- The speaker might try to explain more directly or use different hints.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Used mid-conversation referring to something implied or stated subtly.
Intonation
- Casual, sometimes slightly conspiratorial or knowing tone.
- Stress often on pick up and putting down.
- Yeah, I PICK UP what you're PUTTING DOWN.
Generation Differences
- Originated mid-20th century, associated with counter-culture, funk/soul eras.
- Known by many generations due to media exposure, but perhaps used most naturally or ironically by Gen X / Millennials. Less common among Gen Z compared to I feel you or I get it.
Regional Variations
- Originated in US AAVE, spread into general American slang.
- Less common but possibly understood in other English-speaking regions, primarily through American media.