What Did You Say? Did I Hear You Correctly? 🦻
Definition: This phrase, often used to express surprise or disbelief, dates back to around 1900. Its typical usage goes something like this: “Her science teacher doesn’t believe in evolution.” “‘Come again? That can’t be true.’”
Synonyms:
- Pardon me?
- Excuse me?
- Say what?
- Beg your pardon?
Related Terms and Expressions:
- I can’t believe my ears!
- You’ve got to be kidding me!
- Are you pulling my leg?
- Seriously?
- You’re joking, right?
Proverbs & Quotations:
- “When something is too strange to believe, it’s often easier to disbelieve it.” - My Grandma had this saying, crocheted on a pillow.
Reference Boxes 📚
Literature:
- “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll: Alice frequently encounters such surreal situations that she could very well say, “What did you say? Did I hear you correctly?” …a lot.
- “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger: Holden, with his slew of disdain for ‘phonies.’
Movies:
- “Big” - Tom Hanks grows up overnight – we’re all saying, “What did you say? Did I hear you correctly?”
- “The Matrix” - Go ahead, try to explain the Matrix to someone uninitiated.
Songs:
- “Do You Believe in Magic?” by The Lovin’ Spoonful - Sometimes magic can bewilder us all!
Associated Phrases:
- “You must be pulling my leg”: Indicates someone believes they are being teased.
- “I find that hard to believe”: A polite way of expressing skepticism.
Trivia & Quizzes 🎉
### Which phrase is commonly used to express disbelief?
- [x] You've got to be kidding me!
- [ ] Can you paint a rainbow?
- [ ] Are you digging up the stars?
> **Explanation:** "You've got to be kidding me!" is an expression of disbelief. The others are just creative nonsense.
### Select the phrase that implies misunderstanding or shock.
- [ ] Sock-picking the tunes!
- [ ] Apples to oranges!
- [x] Come again?
> **Explanation:** "Come again?" is a phrase indicating that someone misheard or was shocked by what was said. The others are just fun distractions.
### True or False: "Seriously?" can be used to express surprise.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Yes, "Seriously?" can express genuine surprise or disbelief about the preceding statement.
Inspirational Farewell 🌟
Language is a living, breathing entity that constantly evolves. Embrace the quirks and idiosyncrasies, for within them lies the joy of communication, surprise, and the ever-tantalizing itch of curiosity.
Best regards, W. T. Wittywords
