what do you say: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "what do you say" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It is often used to make a suggestion or request, or to ask for someone's opinion or agreement. The idiom is informal and typically used in casual conversations or friendly interactions. It conveys a sense of seeking approval or agreement from the listener.

The literal meaning of the idiom is asking for someone's response or reaction. It is a rhetorical question used to prompt a verbal or nonverbal reply. The phrase is flexible and can be used in various contexts, allowing the speaker to seek approval, agreement, or consent in a lighthearted manner.

Often, the idiom is used when making plans or inviting someone to join an activity. For example, if someone suggests going out for dinner, they might say, "What do you say we grab some pizza?" In this case, the speaker is seeking the listener's agreement to the proposed plan.

The idiom can also be used to ask for someone's opinion or advice. For instance, if someone is considering buying a new car, they might ask a friend, "What do you say about this model?" In this scenario, the speaker is seeking the listener's thoughts or recommendations.

Furthermore, the idiom can be used to request a favor or assistance. For example, if someone needs help moving furniture, they might ask a neighbor, "What do you say to lending a hand?" Here, the speaker is politely asking for the listener's willingness to provide help.

The idiom "or what" is closely related to "what do you say" and is often used to introduce a hypothetical situation or consequence. It is used to suggest a possible alternative course of action or to challenge someone to consider the potential outcome of their words or actions. For example, if someone makes a statement that may have negative consequences, someone else might respond, "You could say that, or what?" In this case, the speaker is questioning the potential result of the statement and challenging the other person to reconsider their perspective.

Similarly, the idiom "wouldn't you say" is used to seek agreement or confirmation from the listener. It is often used to express the speaker's opinion or belief and to encourage the listener to acknowledge or support that viewpoint. For example, if someone makes a statement about a political issue, they might ask, "That's a good idea, wouldn't you say?" In this instance, the speaker is seeking the listener's agreement or affirmation of their opinion.

The idiomatic phrases "what do you say," "or what," and "wouldn't you say" are all used in American English to seek agreement, opinion, or confirmation from the listener. These idioms are informal and often used in casual or friendly conversations. They reflect the flexible nature of language and can be applied in various contexts to convey meaning and engage in interactive communication. Whether used to make plans, ask for opinions, or challenge ideas, these idioms serve as effective tools for expressing ideas and seeking input from others.