I know you are but what am I
(humorous, rare) Used to direct back a statement as a compliment.
Etymology timeline
Born ~1957 · 1 year of recorded useSeen in the wild
Definitions
(humorous, rare) Used to direct back a statement as a compliment.
So when Mr. Macchia states that people who collect state quarters are fools, my son says I should reply, "I know you are, but what am I?"
Comments
(chiefly, Internet slang, rhetorical question) Used to mock a retort in a dispute that tries to reverse an insult on its original speaker.
At this point Johnny changes tactics and hollers, "I know you are, but what am I?" and the voice echoes, "I know you are, but what am I?"
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Semantically related
- I don't know65%
Used to indicate that one is speculating (often used sarcastically when stating the obvious).
- iykyk63%
"If you know, you know." An inside-joke disclaimer for references only a specific subculture, friend group, or fanbase will get. Used to signal that the speaker belongs to the group without explaining anything. Doubles as a quiet flex.
- IKYABWAI61%
An internet slang acronym standing for 'I know, you are, but what am I?' — a rhetorical retort used to deflect an insult by turning it back on the person who made it. A digital version of playground bickering. Associated with early 2000s forum and chat culture and now feels quite dated. Used mostly ironically or nostalgically.
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(UK) Used to express exasperation or incredulity about a given situation or person.