I mean, it's just so ambiguous. Does it mean 'do you have an excuse'? What do people want when they ask this? I got b*llocked so many times when I was at school because a teacher would ask me this question and I would either say that I didn't understand the question or say 'nothing'. I'm not stupid. I just need assistance!
2007-01-17 03:28:00 · 15 answers · asked by tigerfly 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I believe the answer to that question is:
"Nothing. I have an internal monologue on the scratchpad of the Broccha's Speech area of my brain. This facility negates the need to externally verbalise my thoughts. Would you like me to verbalise my thoughts for the benefit of your understanding my actions in this matter?"
Although it's likely to land you a smack in the gob.
2007-01-17 03:35:15 · answer #1 · answered by dr.twaticus 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It means that the person asking you the question does not know how to comment on what you just did because they are shocked, dumbfounded, or was totally not expecting whatever the person just did. So they ask you the question"What do you have to say for yourself?"
2007-01-17 12:33:33 · answer #2 · answered by stuffed 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, back when I was in school (60s and 70s), when an adult asked one us kids that question, it meant we were in trouble.
The sentence "What do you have to say for yourself?" is another way of saying - "What is your reasoning for what you just did?"
or "Do you have any explanation for what you did?" or "What is your defense for what you did?" and so on.
The adult is looking for your side of the story and, is, most likely quite annoyed. Be ready to defend yourself and explain your actions.
That's it from my point of view.
2007-01-17 14:03:29 · answer #3 · answered by Malika 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOL, yes it is to see what the person will say to explain or excuse behaviour--usually rude or worse. One never has to explain self when he or she has behaved.
--That Cheeky Lad
2007-01-17 11:33:53 · answer #4 · answered by Charles-CeeJay_UK_ USA/CheekyLad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an invitation to trot out some hastily thought-up feeble excuse.
2007-01-17 11:32:03 · answer #5 · answered by Martin 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I believe that what is expected is some form of explanation which will account for some (usually) unwanted action.
2007-01-17 11:34:37 · answer #6 · answered by DaveK 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually it just means 'What do you have for an excuse this time?'
God bless
2007-01-17 11:31:32 · answer #7 · answered by inlovew/jesus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whats your excuse.
2007-01-17 11:36:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best answer to say is (it work 99% of the time) "i am sorry (for what ever you have done) and i will do what ever i will have to do to make it up." you may need to do extra work to catch up, but at least you won't get B*l*o*k*d at (too much)
2007-01-17 11:34:37 · answer #9 · answered by Klick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't think it was about excuses, more about asking "What can you say that explains your actions?". It's an opportunity to explain your side.
2007-01-17 11:34:10 · answer #10 · answered by enemysprout 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋