who wants to know

Meanings

phrasewho wants to know?

idiomaticA retort to a question posed by a stranger, when one does not want to either confirm or deny.
Albert: Adam and Eve on a raft! Is that Eunice Carruthers? Eunice: Who wants to know? Albert: Al's Diner! You waitressed for me back in '78, '79! I'd never forget that pretty face! Eunice: Well, Mr. Ramsey! How do you like that? I didn't recognize you without your apron!
1998, Alison Bechdel, Split-Level Dykes to Watch Out For,, page 119
Synonyms: depends who's asking

phraseA retort to a question posed by a stranger, when one does not want to either confirm or deny.

Similar

Also see

Cite this entry

APA

who wants to know. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/who%20wants%20to%20know

MLA

“who wants to know.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/who%20wants%20to%20know. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “who wants to know,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/who%20wants%20to%20know.