What does "who are you?" mean?

Scon · 12 May 2011 at 23:00

Simple question really, but what does "Who are you?" actually mean?

When you think about it, it doesn't really make sense.

[/random though]

GoatBotherer · 12 May 2011 at 23:00

Your name.

Scon · 12 May 2011 at 23:01

GoatBotherer said:
Your name.

wouldn't that be "What is your name?" ???

nydryl · 12 May 2011 at 23:01

It's another way of asking what your name is. There are often multiple ways to pose a question.

vicisthebest · 12 May 2011 at 23:01

do you mean like when football fans chant it at each other?

It means nothing, much like lots of football chants.

mushroomsoup · 12 May 2011 at 23:02

I think you are thinking about it too much...

its just asking you to identify yourself by whatever way you deem necessary.

loltim · 12 May 2011 at 23:03

PardonTheWait · 12 May 2011 at 23:03

burrell said:
Simple question really, but what does "Who are you?" actually mean?

When you think about it, it doesn't really make sense.

[/random though]

Of course it makes sense. Depending on context, there's various answers...

"I'm dave"

"I'm the plumber"

"I'm here to rescue you"

It could even be all those answers, in order!

lixxus · 12 May 2011 at 23:05

Someone knocks on your door. I.E utility salesman.

"Excuse me, who are you ?"

jellybeard999 · 12 May 2011 at 23:06

Cosimo · 12 May 2011 at 23:07

vincent1989 · 12 May 2011 at 23:08

if shouted by some base and ridiculous 'human being' it usually means they are asking your credentials in a menacing way;

'who are you' meaning;
'who do you think you are? *sneer*'

Castiel · 12 May 2011 at 23:09

It means you are Flibbage.

Icm76 · 12 May 2011 at 23:10

burrell said:
Simple question really, but what does "Who are you?" actually mean?

said or chanted as a rhetorical question, the subject is regarded as a nobody, of no significance

Rexton · 12 May 2011 at 23:10

I looked at this thread 5 minutes ago, thought "this guy is crazy" and then actually thought about it for a minute. You're right, it doesn't seem to make sense. (or perhaps I'm just tired after starting work at 7am).

antijoke · 12 May 2011 at 23:10

"I'm the %$&*(£" second coming!"

d_brennen · 12 May 2011 at 23:11

"State your designation!" much better

Reality|Bites · 12 May 2011 at 23:15

Could be asking your name but I don't think so.
I would say it means, deep down who are you, what makes you "you". The things you do the things you like/hate, your personality etc...

Theophany · 12 May 2011 at 23:16

Totally dependant upon context and tone. I pretty much universally use it rhetorically, suggesting that the person I ask the question is a no-mark.

There are far more elegant and pleasant ways to ask after somebody.

naefeart · 12 May 2011 at 23:23