- A rhetorical question used to express indignation or anger at someone's perceived arrogance, presumption, or overstepping of boundaries.
- It challenges the person's right or authority to act or speak in the way they did.
Explanation
Origin
- The phrasing is straightforward, questioning the person's self-perception ('who you think you are') in contrast to how the speaker sees them (often as someone without the right to act that way).
- It implies the person is acting above their station or entitlement. It's a common expression of social challenge.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Who the hell do you think you are? (Adds emphasis)
- What's your damage? (80s/90s slang asking what someone's problem is, implying unreasonable behavior)
- Check yourself. (Telling someone to examine their bad behavior/attitude)
- You trippin'. (AAVE origin, meaning you're acting crazy/unreasonable)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Who the fuck do you think you are? (Very aggressive)
Milder/More Formal (Less direct challenge):
- I find that behavior inappropriate.
- I don't think that's your decision to make.
- Could you please explain your actions? (Polite but still questioning)
Situational Appropriateness
- Highly informal and confrontational.
- Used in arguments or moments of anger when someone feels personally slighted or that social rules/hierarchies have been violated.
- Using this in a professional or formal setting is likely to be seen as highly unprofessional and aggressive, potentially escalating conflict severely. Avoid unless intending a major confrontation.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers must understand this is *not* a genuine question about identity. It's a rhetorical expression of anger and challenge.
- Using it casually or without understanding the aggressive tone can cause serious offense.
Examples
- Who do you think you are, telling me what to do in my own house?
- Barging in here without knocking – who do you think you are?
- He tried to give orders to the CEO! Who does he think he is?
Dialogue
Person A: (Cutting in line) Excuse me, I'm in a hurry.
Person B: Hey! Who do you think you are? Get to the back of the line like everyone else!
Person A: Oh! Uh, sorry. Didn't see the queue properly.
Social Media Examples
- (Often in replies to perceived entitlement or offensive comments)
- Reply: @UserX Who do you think you are, telling artists what they should create? Mind your business.
- Tweet: Saw someone reserve 5 seats on the train with their bags during rush hour. Seriously, who do you think you are?! #commuterlife #rant
- Comment: He just walked into the meeting and started criticizing everyone's work. Like, dude, who do you think you are?
Response Patterns
- (Defensively) I was just trying to help! / I didn't mean anything by it.
- (Aggressively) Who do *you* think *you* are? (Turning the challenge back)
- (Confused/Apologetic) I'm sorry, I didn't realize...
- (Arrogantly) I know exactly who I am.
- Silence or backing down.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After the challenge is issued:
- The challenger might follow up with specific reasons for their anger (You have no right to..., That's not your place...).
- The person challenged needs to respond, either by justifying their actions, apologizing, or escalating the confrontation.
If the response is apologetic:
- The situation might de-escalate, though the challenger might still be angry.
If the response is aggressive or arrogant:
- The argument is likely to continue or intensify.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a confrontational exclamation used in response to perceived arrogance or offense.
Intonation
- Delivered with strong emphasis on WHO and YOU, often with a rising, indignant, or challenging tone. WHO do YOU think you are?!
- Can also be said with disbelief or contempt.
Generation Differences
- Understood by all generations. The level of direct confrontation might vary culturally and individually.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions.