Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

i know you are but what am i

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.45 in modern English

Syllables
i -know y-ou are but what am i
IPA
41
Scrabble Score
21
Letters
3
Syllables
14
Unique Chars

Meaning

phrase

Used to assert that an insult made by the party to whom the phrase is directed is actually true of that party, and not of the person using the phrase. Usually considered to be a playground taunt.

Humorous

phrase

Used to mock a retort in a dispute that tries to reverse an insult on its original speaker.

phrase

Used to direct back a statement as a compliment.

Humorous

Example Sentences

Etymology

Uncertain, but dates back at least to the June 15th, 1957 issue of The New Yorker (Vol. 33 No. 17, page 23). In "The Talk of the Town", which was a collaborative effort by the magazine's staff writers: "INTERROGATIVE WISP FOUND IN GUTTER OF MACDOUGAL STREET: 'I know you are but what am I?'" The phrase is often attributed to Pee-Wee Herman.

Usage

Inflected Forms

I know you are, but what am I (alternative)

Phrases

it takes one to know one I'm rubber, you're glue pot calling the kettle black

Frequently Paired Words

it takes one to know one I'm rubber, you're glue pot calling the kettle black

Synonyms

IKYABWAI

Questions

What does i know you are but what am i mean?
Used to assert that an insult made by the party to whom the phrase is directed is actually true of that party, and not of the person using the phrase. Usually considered to be a playground taunt.
Where does i know you are but what am i come from?
Uncertain, but dates back at least to the June 15th, 1957 issue of The New Yorker (Vol. 33 No. 17, page 23). In "The Talk of the Town", which was a collaborative effort by the magazine's staff writers: "INTERROGATIVE WISP FOUND IN GUTTER OF MACDOUGAL STREET: 'I know you are but what am I?'" The phrase is often attributed to Pee-Wee Herman.

How to pronounce i know you are but what am i

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