why should I? | why should we?

INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase why should I? | why should we?

Meaning

You can say this if you're annoyed about being told to do something.

For example

  • "Tidy your room, Owen."
    "Why should I? It's my room and I like it messy!"

  • "Call off the strike now!"
    "Why should we? You haven't agreed to anything we're demanding."

Note:
If you say this, the person you're speaking to could react badly if they think you're challenging their authority or being rude, so be careful when using it.

Quick Quiz

After being told to stop protesting, Emily said, "Why should we?

a. We have the right to protest."

b. We have no right to protest."

c. We aren't even protesting."
a) We have the right to protest." b) We have no right to protest." c) We aren't even protesting."

Contributor: Matt Errey