   Do What?In Appalachian and Southern talk, "Do what?" is a common way of saying "Pardon?" or "What did you say?" It’s not a real question about doing something - it’s just a request to repeat or clarify. Hillbilly Dude Says...  For me, 'do what"' is a lot like 'misewell' and 'right quick' - I forget it's hillbilly in conversations with the nons. Use it all the time. Pronunciation[doo WHUT?] Meaning & Usage- Asking someone to repeat (phrase)
Mae:
He’s comin’ Tuesday.
Earl:
Do what?other spellings: do what now? ★ Don’t take "Do what?" literally - nobody’s asking you to do anything. It’s just a regional way of asking you to repeat yourself. ★ OriginThe phrase likely developed in Southern and Appalachian English as a clipped way of saying "Do what now?" or "Do what you said?" Over time, it lost any real connection to "doing" and settled into meaning "I didn’t hear you." Notes"Do what?" is extremely common in the South and Appalachia, but can confuse outsiders who expect a literal request. A longer version, "Do what now?," softens it and adds a touch of politeness, but both mean the same thing: "I didn’t hear you." Say It Like a SouthernerSay it quick and curious: "doo WHUT?" The tone, not the words, tells you it’s about hearing, not about doing. | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
 |