The other day Brandon hollered across the house to me. Not understanding a word he’d said, I yelled back, “do what?!” I’ve said it countless times, but this time it struck me funny. It’s not something you hear outside of the South. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it on tv or read it in a book.

We say “do what” to express confusion or to convey we didn’t catch what was said. Essentially the equivalent of huh, it’s a common phrase around here.

I’ve used the expression my whole life. My daddy must’ve said it ten times a day. Deaf in one ear, he never heard a word he didn’t want to. Papaw said it too, and I’m sure I’ve caught my aunts drop it on occasion.

Did you grow up screaming “do what” across the house too?