The spelling of the phrase "know what what" may appear confusing at first glance, but its pronunciation gives way to its spelling. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /noʊ wʌt wʌt/. The first "w" sound resembles an /ʌ/ sound in phonetic transcription, which explains why the word "what" is spelled twice. This double spelling of "what" helps convey the correct pronunciation of the phrase, which is commonly used in casual conversation.
There is no specific dictionary definition for the term "know what what," as it is considered to be a colloquial or informal expression. However, we can attempt to provide a meaning based on its usage and context.
"Know what what" is often employed as an exclamation or phrase to express surprise, disbelief, or confusion. It is commonly used in informal conversations or to denote a state of perplexity. The repetition of "what" in the phrase creates emphasis, amplifying the speaker's sense of incredulity or astonishment.
The term can be interpreted as a rhetorical device intended to convey astonishment or to question the veracity of a statement, similar to saying "Do you really know what you're saying?" or "Are you aware of what's happening?"
As an example, imagine someone telling a far-fetched story about their latest adventure. Upon hearing the tale, a listener might respond with "Know what what? You really expect us to believe that?" Here, the phrase serves to express skepticism or surprise towards the story being shared.
Overall, "know what what" is an informal expression used to question or express disbelief, and its meaning is largely derived from its context and the accompanying tone of the speaker.