Say what one more goddamn time vs What did you say

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Say what one more goddamn time

InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)

What did you say

Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: What did you sayMost common: What did you say
 Say what one more goddamn timeWhat did you say
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //seɪ wɒt wʌn mɔːr ˈɡɒd.dæm taɪm//🇺🇸 //seɪ wɑt wʌn mɔr ˈɡɑd.dæm taɪm//🇬🇧 //wɒt dɪd jʊ seɪ//🇺🇸 //wɑt dɪd jə seɪ//
MeaningRepeat something one more time.A question asking someone to repeat what they said.
ExampleWhen he yelled, 'Say what one more goddamn time,' everyone fell silent.I didn’t catch that; what did you say?
RegisterInformalNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 2,000 (common)
Collocationssay that again, say it one more time, do it againWhat did you just say?, What did you say again?, What did you say next?
Common mistakesMisuse in polite conversation or formal contexts., Omitting 'goddamn' makes it less emphatic., Confusing with 'say that again', which is more neutral.Using 'What did you said?' instead of 'What did you say?', Forgetting to use intonation for questions., Confusing with 'What are you saying?' which can imply ongoing speech.
Usage notesThis phrase is often used for emphasis, usually in a frustrated or angry tone. Avoid in formal settings.Used in conversations when the speaker did not hear or understand something. Appropriate in most informal and formal contexts.

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Say what one more goddamn time
What did you say

Frequently asked questions: Say what one more goddamn time vs What did you say

What's the difference between Say what one more goddamn time and What did you say?

Say what one more goddamn time: Repeat something one more time. What did you say: A question asking someone to repeat what they said.

Which is more formal: Say what one more goddamn time and What did you say?

What did you say is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Say what one more goddamn time and What did you say?

What did you say is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Say what one more goddamn time: When he yelled, 'Say what one more goddamn time,' everyone fell silent. What did you say: I didn’t catch that; what did you say?

Can I use Say what one more goddamn time and What did you say interchangeably?

Not always. Say what one more goddamn time and What did you say are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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