[renuxa]

> Excuse me?

Unrelated to your original comment, but as a British person when I see the use of "Excuse me?" it seems very coarse and sometimes can appear rude.

It is interesting, because my wife (who isn't British and English is her second language) uses this often (as do her friends) and sometimes it appears out of place and is misread as rude (which she is not usually trying to be).

I'm not complaining or dissing you at all, I find these small linguistic nuances very interesting :)

[test1235]

As a brit, I agree with that sentiment. It comes across as passive-aggressive way to tell someone you think what they just said is utter nonsense.

You heard them just fine, but you don't like what they said, so you exagerrate your reaction and pretend they're an idiot.

Of course, it depends on the tone of your voice as well, so everything comes across in the worst possible way when all you can see is the words :)

[pjc50]

Funny how this works. Normally on the internet people disagree with one another point-blank with no niceties, so a "polite" "excuse me?" stands out.

(Brit here as well)

[Argorak]

Speaking English as my third language and having learned the British flavour, I agree with that fully.

[reitanqild]

Thanks! Appreciated and upvoted.