What do you mean?
Have you ever had a conversation with someone and found yourself confused about what they were trying to say? Maybe they used words or phrases that you didn't understand, or maybe their tone of voice made it hard to decipher their true meaning. In situations like these, it's common to ask the question, "What do you mean?" Here are some reasons why you might find yourself asking this question.
1. Misunderstanding Vocabulary
One reason you might ask "What do you mean?" is because you don't understand the vocabulary being used. This could be because the speaker is using technical terms that you're not familiar with, or because they're using slang or jargon that's specific to a certain group or region. For example, if someone says "I'm feeling hella lit right now," you might not know that "hella" means "very" and "lit" means "excited" or "buzzed." Asking "What do you mean by 'hella lit'?" can help clarify the speaker's intended meaning.
2. Misinterpreting Tone
Another reason you might ask "What do you mean?" is because you're not sure how to interpret the speaker's tone. For example, if someone says "That's fine," they could mean it in a variety of ways depending on their tone of voice. They could be genuinely okay with something, or they could be passive-aggressively expressing displeasure. Asking "What do you mean by 'That's fine'?" can help you understand the speaker's true feelings.
3. Misreading Body Language
Body language can also be a source of confusion in communication. For example, if someone is smiling while they say something negative, it could be hard to tell whether they're being sarcastic or sincere. Similarly, if someone is avoiding eye contact or fidgeting while they speak, it could be a sign that they're uncomfortable or lying. Asking "What do you mean?" can give the speaker a chance to explain their body language and help you understand their message more clearly.
Conclusion
Asking "What do you mean?" is a useful tool for clarifying communication and avoiding misunderstandings. By being willing to ask this question and seek clarification, you can improve your relationships with others and ensure that you're on the same page. So the next time you find yourself confused by someone's words, tone, or body language, don't be afraid to speak up and ask for clarification.