Why do people ask what after something is said to them but they really did here what was said?

What?!

Usually this is an exclamation of amazement or incredulity at whatever you have said. Another meaning is that they don't know what you mean, especially with a downward inflection of the voice. In the latter case, and also if you are calling into question the speaker's opinion, there are more polite ways of expressing this.

First answer by Grevillea. Last edit by Grevillea. Contributor trust: 1217 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 4 [recommend question]