Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[tomoki]

When surprised or suspisious about something, what do you say? like 'No way!' 'really!?'

When the other person is not making sense, do you say;

what are you saying!?

or do you have any expressions?

thanks!

[bud]

Welcome Tomoki,

1. There are a lot of expressions for this, most very informal like your examples:

You can't be serious. (informal)
You're pulling my leg. (informal)
You've "gotta" (got to) be kidding me. (informal)
Get "outta" (out of) here. (informal)
Get "outta" town. (informal)
No! (informal - said with great dramatics, and drawn out)
You're putting me on. (informal)
I don't/can't believe it. (can be used in any situation)
Say what? (informal)

2. For a situation where you don't understand someone, you could use some of these:

Come again? (informal)
What's your point/question? (can be used in any situation)
So... what's your point/question? (informal - this is sarcastic - 'So' is drawn out, with a long pause before continuing)
What do you mean? (can be used in any situation)
Say what? (informal - also works for this situation)
That doesn't make sense. (can be used in any situation)
That is gibberish/nonsense. (This would usually be insulting. The sentence itself is not really an expression, but the use of 'gibberish' or 'nonsense' is common in this situation.)

I'm sure there are many other expressions, but those are some that come to mind at the moment.

Good luck!