The phrase "What does he know?" often pops up when someone questions another person's expertise or credibility. It's like asking, "Is this person really the one to talk about this?" or "How much does this person know?" Usually, this is said when someone questions or doubts what another person is saying. It can be a genuine question about someone's qualifications or a more sarcastic remark.
In short:
The phrase "what does he know" is often used to probe someone's knowledge on a particular subject. It's like a litmus test to figure out if someone is worth listening to.
Let's dig into its main meanings and how it's used:
The expression "what does he know" is straightforward and not tied to any particular time or place. It's more of a natural question when people are skeptical of someone's authority or knowledge. It's been around for as long as people have questioned authority and expertise.
"What does he know even of himself, as to his invifible part? What of his future manner of exiftence?"
- A Plain Account of Genuine Christianity by John Wesley, 1761
To help you get a better grasp of how this phrase is used, let's look at some examples in different situations:
The question "What does he know?" is common in movies, TV shows, and books where someone's expertise or authority is being questioned or doubted.
Here are some examples:
The question "What does he know?" has other ways of being expressed depending on the context and the point you want to make.
Here are some other ways to say it:
"What does he know" is a question that can be used to either inquire about someone's level of expertise or to cast doubt on their credibility. Depending on the context, it can be either literal or figurative.
You can use this phrase in questions to talk about someone’s knowledge or expertise in a particular area. For example: “What does he know about football?” Or you can use it to express skepticism: “He says we should invest in that company, but what does he know?”
While the phrase "What does he know" can be used in various settings, it's often heard in discussions where expertise or authority is in question. It could be in a professional meeting, a casual conversation, or even while watching the news.
The phrase can be used in both serious and sarcastic tones. In a serious tone, it's genuinely asking about someone's knowledge. In a sarcastic or dismissive tone, it's questioning the credibility of the person in question.
The phrase "What does he know" is widely understood in English-speaking countries and is not restricted to any specific culture.
Depending on the tone and context, the phrase can come across as rude or dismissive. If you're genuinely asking about someone's expertise, it's not rude. But if you're using it to demean someone, it could be considered disrespectful.
Yes, the phrase can be used in a humorous way to lighten the mood, especially when the topic being discussed is not too serious or sensitive.
No, the phrase "What does he know" can be adapted to refer to any gender, like "What does she know" or "What do they know." It's not restricted to males.
Yes, while the phrase is more commonly used in casual conversations, it can also appear in formal settings when questioning someone's expertise or credibility.
It can be used in legal or academic contexts but is usually phrased more formally, often as a part of a larger question or statement that aims to scrutinize someone’s qualifications or credibility.
The question "What does he know?" serves dual roles. It either probes the expertise of someone or, on the flip side, undermines their credibility. Whether asking a legitimate question or throwing a little shade, it's a versatile tool in your conversational arsenal.
Here's a quick recap:
