[Idiom] matter

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Will17

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Mar 28, 2008
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Hello there!

I've got a question: do the expressions "what's the matter with you/what's wrong with you?" mean the same as "what's the matter/what's wrong?"?

I have the feeling that the 1st expressions are more ironic, am I right?

CHeers

W
 

Will17

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2008
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
French
Home Country
France
Current Location
UK
Hello there!

I've got a question: do the expressions "what's the matter with you/what's wrong with you?" mean the same as "what's the matter/what's wrong?"?

I have the feeling that the 1st expressions can be used in a sarccastic way, am I right?

CHeers

W


Could someone help me please? :oops:
 

emsr2d2

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Hello there!

I've got a question: do the expressions "what's the matter with you/what's wrong with you?" mean the same as "what's the matter/what's wrong?"?

I have the feeling that the 1st expressions are more ironic, am I right?

CHeers

W

I would say they are almost identical. Neither is more ironic than the other, it really depends on the tone of voice used to say them.
 

billmcd

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The first, "......matter with you" and ".........wrong with you" are more personal and direct and could be considered somewhat argumentative or, as you say, sarcastic. The second examples "what's the matter"/"what's wrong" are less direct and used most often to inquire about a problem or situation that the speaker has noticed to be unusual behavior or reaction by the listener.
 
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