When people say "You know what I mean?"

[Anonymous]

Why do some people say this phrase after each sentence they finish during a conversation? I do understand you, quit saying it already.

[toulouse]

yeah its annoying. trist me. IF I DONT know what you mean, ill ask. or verify. ill find a way to make sure I comprehend. you're asking every 5 seconds is just getting in the way of my train of thought, in following your words. plus its annoying.

additoonally, I can say/ think I know what you mean, but there's no saying were referring to the same thing.

i think its completely pointless to ask someone if they know what you mean. they can't tell you that by saying 'yes;. theyd have to explain it in their own words.

a person can't really know if they know what you mean. they can know if they think they know what you mean. but only you know what you mean exactly

(tho not always. many people don't know what they mean themselves.).

so its a pointless thing to say. for many reasons. most f all its annoying.

[LexiNinja]

I guess its a way to see if the other person is on the same terms with you and you're following whatever it might be you're discussing. I guess it's a hidden way to see if you agree.

[smallguy]

You've said I guess twice and whatever which are open ended words much like you know what I mean

[LexiNinja]

Gee thanks, thanks for noticing? >.>

[Stacyzee]

You know what I mean, ya know what I'm saying?

Its just a habbit.

[Bvroon]

It is the equivalent of verbal diarrhea, in the sense that it has been established that everybody is in understanding and agreement, but they lack the verbal skills to emphasize this and they are using it as a "filler" because they don't know how to either transition the conversation to something else or continue the present conversation with any degree of meaning. There was once a time when people learned and actively pursued the practice of how to make and maintain conversation, and now today what with all our technology, people can text like nobody's business, but they don't know how to talk, additionally they also don't know how to write meaningful letters either, we are developing into a very connected, yet disconnected culture.

[rockcandy]

Its just a tick, kind of. Some people fidget with their hair when they internet. Standard American English is not superior and it doesn't mean we are all going downhill. In some settings its important but in a casual conversation its normal to use slang. In fact, we always have. I don't know why you would think otherwise. I connect just find using slang and if I talked to my friends like I was a ceo they'd feel awkward and disconnected from me. They want to hear me and my personality come out

[rockcandy]

*interact (not internet)

[kheserthorpe]

It's a habit. Some people say 'know what I'm sayin' with two syllable.s nomsain.

The meaning, I would say, is similar to the way some canadians use 'eh?' Its a semi-question asking for a nod or some acknowledgement you are following, and provides in some ways an opening for you to jump into the conversation.

I guess the U.K. use of 'isn't it' (or in some dialects, 'init') is similar.

Do people overuse all of the above? Yes. They become verbal habits.

[smallguy]

Basically it is a short abbreviation for tacit understanding,inferred or assumed statements that may be considered redundant at one point of he conversation.

If I am not wrong it is Cockney English which Australian is also strongly influenced by.

[sassyg1rl]

They don't know how to end their statements. We have a consultant who ends everything with "Follow?" I tell him that I'm not on a leash but I have the ability to understand him...he still says it.

[rockcandy]

Haha its just another habit some people have. Some people say "like" a lot when they are talking. Or start every sentence with "I mean".

They probably don't realize they are doing it that much.

[smallguy]

and stuff

[dubstep]

your wrong straight girls will not have sexual encounter with another female if they do they are bi.

[rockcandy]

Lol that's from another question but you told me there and I answered you there

[rockcandy]

Why would someone vote this down? Its true. If you have a better answer please explain.

[Prof_Don]

its a "speech filler", similar to people that use "like" as a filler.

its done out of habit and is concurrent with the area; most that use those phrases don't even realize it! :-P

[NoOneListens21]

LOL. omg. hahahha. =P sometimes people say it out of habbit.

[Anonymous]

because I cbf finishing my sentence or elborating my answer... you know what I mean? :P xx

[Anonymous]

Some people say it out of habit? It's like a verbal tick.

[palek]

I know what you mean, if you know what I mean.