I tell you what
A lead-in that underlines what comes next. Or stands alone as "whew."
Also called I'll tell you what, tell you what.
Updated September 24, 2026
I tell you what pronunciation
/ah TELL yuh whut/
Meaning
I tell you what is Southern conversational glue. It can open advice, stress a point, or sit by itself after something impressive or exhausting. Do not wait for a quiz. Half the time they never "tell you what" in a literal way. They are just putting weight on the feeling.
How folks use it
- “I tell you what, that rain came sideways.”
- “Hot out there today. I tell you what.”
Origin and etymology
Grew out of literal setups like "I'll tell you what I'll do," then shortened into everyday Southern and Appalachian talk. Close cousins include I'll tell you what and I tell you what's the truth, noted in Southern Appalachian English sources. Hank Hill made the shorter form famous outside Texas.
Frequently asked questions
Do they actually tell you something after?
Sometimes. Plenty of times it is just emphasis, and that is the whole point.