0229 What do you mean? - English Idioms

Explanation

A direct question asking for clarification when something someone said is unclear, ambiguous, or surprising.

Origin

A straightforward interrogative phrase using the verb to mean (to signify or intend).
Fundamental question for resolving communication breakdowns.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Say what now? (Expresses surprise/disbelief and asks for clarification)
Huh? (Very informal, can be considered impolite)
What you talkin' 'bout, Willis? (Older pop culture reference, humorous confusion)
I'm lost. / You lost me.

More Formal/Polite:

Could you elaborate on that point?
I'm not sure I fully grasp your meaning.
Perhaps I misunderstood, could you clarify?

Emphatic/Aggressive:

What the hell do you mean?
What are you even talking about? (See 0234)

Situational Appropriateness

Appropriate in most contexts, from casual to formal, when genuine clarification is needed.
Tone is crucial; it can sound confrontational if said aggressively.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The directness can sometimes be perceived as challenging or aggressive, especially if the tone is sharp. Prefacing with Sorry, or using a softer tone can help.
Non-native speakers should be aware of the potential for confrontation depending on delivery.

Examples

Person A: We need to pivot. Person B: What do you mean, pivot?
He said he's 'taking a break.' What do you mean by that?
You think it's my fault? What do you mean?

Dialogue

Alex: This whole project is going sideways.

Ben: What do you mean, 'sideways'?

Alex: I mean, we're missing deadlines, the budget's blown, and the client isn't happy. It's a mess.

Ben: Oh, okay. I didn't realize it was that bad.

Response Patterns

The person asked will usually try to rephrase or elaborate on their original statement.
I mean... followed by clarification.
What I'm saying is...
To clarify,...
Let me put it another way...
Sometimes defensiveness: It means exactly what I said!

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After asking What do you mean?:

The asker listens attentively to the explanation.

After receiving clarification:

The asker might say Oh, I see, Okay, that makes sense now, or ask further clarifying questions if still confused (So, you're saying...?).
If the clarification reveals something disagreeable, a debate might follow.

Conversation Starter

No.
It's a response seeking clarification within a conversation.

Intonation

Typically spoken with a questioning intonation, rising at the end.
Stress often falls on mean or you. What do YOU mean? or What do you MEAN?
Can convey genuine confusion, skepticism, or even challenge, depending on the tone.

Generation Differences

Universal across generations.

Regional Variations

Used everywhere in the English-speaking world.

If I could just say something..

🎲 Could you repeat that?

[0229] What do you mean?