who wants to know: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "who wants to know" is a common phrase used in informal English conversation. It serves as a rhetorical question, implying disinterest or annoyance towards the curiosity or nosiness of others. This idiom is often used in a sarcastic or dismissive way to indicate that the speaker believes the information being asked about is either irrelevant or none of the listener's business.

One popular related idiom is "want to know," which conveys a sense of eagerness or curiosity about something. It is often used when someone is interested in learning more or obtaining information about a specific topic. For example, if someone asks, "What's the secret to your success?" and you respond with "Do you really want to know?" you are questioning their sincerity and indicating that the answer may be more complex or involved than they expect.

Another related idiom is "what's it to you," which is often used to express indifference or annoyance towards someone who is prying or being nosy. It suggests that the speaker does not see any reason why the person asking the question should be concerned or have any stake in the matter. For instance, if someone asks, "Why are you dressed so casually for the party?" and you respond with "What's it to you?" you are essentially telling them that their opinion or judgment is unwarranted and unwelcome.

A similar idiom is "never you mind," which is used to deflect or dismiss someone's inquiry or curiosity. It implies that the information being asked about is not the listener's concern and that they should not even bother attempting to find out. For example, if someone asks, "Why were you absent from work yesterday?" and you respond with "Never you mind," you are asserting that your absence is personal and none of their business.

The idiom "don't tell me" is also related to "who wants to know" in the sense that it expresses skepticism or disbelief towards someone's statement or assertion. It suggests that the speaker does not trust or accept the information being provided and challenges the person to reconsider or provide proof. For instance, if someone tells you, "I heard you won the lottery," and you respond with "Don't tell me," you are expressing doubt and seeking confirmation or further evidence before accepting the claim.

Overall, these idioms all revolve around the themes of curiosity, inquiry, interest, and information. They serve as ways to express defensiveness, detachment, indifference, skepticism, and even annoyance towards the questions or statements of others. Whether used in a sarcastic or dismissive manner, they enable speakers to assert their autonomy and question the relevance or necessity of others' inquiries.

To sum it up, the idiom "who wants to know" is an informal expression used in English conversation to convey disinterest or annoyance towards the curiosity or nosiness of others. It is often used sarcastically or dismissively to indicate that the information being asked about is irrelevant or none of the listener's business. Other related idioms such as "want to know," "what's it to you," "never you mind," and "don't tell me" further emphasize these themes of curiosity, inquiry, interest, and information. By using these idioms, speakers can assert their autonomy, deflect unwanted intrusions, express indifference or annoyance, and challenge the legitimacy of others' questions or statements.