You know who/what

phrase

An indirect way to refer to someone without using their name, typically when the person is widely known or it's obvious who is being talked about based on the context.

Let's avoid talking about the scandal involving - you know who.

Visual representation of "you know who/what" - An indirect way to refer to someone without using their name, typically when the person is widely known or it's obvious who is being talked about based on the context.

Often appears as...

let's not talk about you know who
don't mention you know who

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Used to introduce a subject or topic of conversation without explicitly stating it, typically implying that the speaker and the listener both understand what is being referred to.

We need to address, you know what, tomorrow.

Visual representation of "you know who/what" - Used to introduce a subject or topic of conversation without explicitly stating it, typically implying that the speaker and the listener both understand what is being referred to.

Often appears as...

address you know what
discuss you know what

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

Used to express surprise, annoyance, or exasperation about someone or something.

You know what, I've had enough of your attitude.

Often appears as...

you know what
i'm fed up

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

An indirect way to refer to someone without using their name, typically when the person is widely known or it's obvious who is being talked about based on the context.

Let's avoid talking about the scandal involving - you know who.

Often appears as...

let's not talk about you know who
don't mention you know who

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Used to introduce a subject or topic of conversation without explicitly stating it, typically implying that the speaker and the listener both understand what is being referred to.

We need to address, you know what, tomorrow.

Often appears as...

address you know what
discuss you know what

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

Used to express surprise, annoyance, or exasperation about someone or something.

You know what, I've had enough of your attitude.

Often appears as...

you know what
i'm fed up

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3

Visual representation of "you know who/what"

Pro Tip 1/3

Avoiding Names

Use 'you know who' when you want to avoid saying someone's name, usually because it's sensitive or obvious.

I can't believe what happened with - you know who - yesterday.

Pro Tip 2/3

Shared Knowledge

'You know who' assumes the listener knows who you're talking about. Don't use it with strangers.

Every Christmas, you know who loves to wear that red sweater.

Pro Tip 3/3

Hiding Identity

Use this phrase to discreetly discuss someone, often to keep their identity private in public.

I heard you know who got promoted.

Pro Tip 1/3

Avoiding Names

Use 'you know who' when you want to avoid saying someone's name, usually because it's sensitive or obvious.

I can't believe what happened with - you know who - yesterday.

Pro Tip 2/3

Shared Knowledge

'You know who' assumes the listener knows who you're talking about. Don't use it with strangers.

Every Christmas, you know who loves to wear that red sweater.

Pro Tip 3/3

Hiding Identity

Use this phrase to discreetly discuss someone, often to keep their identity private in public.

I heard you know who got promoted.

Pro Tip 1/3

Avoiding Names

Use 'you know who' when you want to avoid saying someone's name, usually because it's sensitive or obvious.

I can't believe what happened with - you know who - yesterday.

Pro Tip 2/3

Shared Knowledge

'You know who' assumes the listener knows who you're talking about. Don't use it with strangers.

Every Christmas, you know who loves to wear that red sweater.

Pro Tip 3/3

Hiding Identity

Use this phrase to discreetly discuss someone, often to keep their identity private in public.

I heard you know who got promoted.

Visual representation of the word "You know who/what"

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