Street voices
Michael
·
United States
"I mean is slang for you know what I mean. It is said when inquiring if someone agrees with you For example, I really liked her style. She had a cool demeanor. Yeah, I mean"
What it means
A quick way of saying you know what I mean or you get me, usually dropped at the end of a point to check the other person is following or backing you. It keeps the convo moving and adds a little rhythm, especially when someone is making a point with confidence. Less formal than saying do you agree, more like a verbal nod check.
Usage examples
"That outfit was clean, the whole vibe was effortless, ya mean? Even the bouncer looked over like yeah, she understood the assignment."
"The trip was about slowing down, no schedule, no alarms, just good food and long walks, ya mean, the kind of break that actually rests you."
Where it comes from
A run-together you know what I mean, the words smoothed into two beats. Tacked onto the end of a thought, it is a quick check that the other person is nodding along.
Editors of this term
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