know what I'm sayin'?

American English INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase know what I'm sayin'?

Meaning

You can say this to see if someone knows what you mean, or to fill in time before saying something else.

For example

  • This guy at the party came up to me and said, "Man, I'm so wasted. Know what I'm sayin'?"

  • "The cops start hassling me and stuff. Know what I'm sayin'? And then one of 'em starts trying to grab me."

Note:
Also "know what I mean?"

Variety

This is typically used in American English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz

"Know what I'm sayin'?" is said to make sure the listener

a. understands what was said

b. knows who said it

c. speaks the same language
a) understands what was said b) knows who said it c) speaks the same language

Contributor: Matt Errey