by the way

[Offroad]

By the way...

Would you mind if I ask how old you are?
Of course not, I am 27, by the way, what about yourself?
ok, I am 30.

So, teachers, I would like you to tell me what 'by the way' means, I mean, how'd you describe it?

Many thanks

 

[David L.]

While you are waiting for a teacher to respond, could i point out:
1. A native speaker would not use the expression, 'by the way' in this situation. We would say, 'while we're at it' .
2. You are not aware of it I'm sure, but "So, teachers, I would like you to tell me what 'by the way' means.
seems to be something you have heard your teacher say, as in,
So, class, I want you to tell me how many words you can think of that... - it makes you sound like a teacher asking a question!
Better just to say, Could a teacher please explain what "by the way"....
or
May I ask a teacher what....

 

[Offroad]

Yeah, David, you're right. That question sounded like I was a teacher, and I am not. Actually I know the meaning of 'by the way', however, in my language, then, I'd like to know it in English.

Thanks

 

[Barb_D]

You use it to introduce a new topic that may be only slightly related to the current topic.

By the way, did you happen to check out idioms in the reference section?

[not a teacher]

 

[Offroad]

Thanks Barb.