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Laborious Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

I'd like to ask a thing or two concerning 'You've got to be kidding me', please

Hi, 

- You've got to be kidding me. 

I have a few things to ask concerning the sentence written above, please. The first thing I want to ask is: What does that really mean? Does that mean that the speaker is certain or pretty sure that the other person is joking, or isn't serious about what they are saying?  

The second thing is: Is that the same as 'You have to be kidding me.'?

Thank you. 
  

Top answer

first It's an idiomatic way of expressing surprise and even disbelief when someone tells you something. second Yes, same idea. Clive

— Clive

  • first It's an idiomatic way of expressing surprise and even disbelief when someone tells you something.
  • second Yes, same idea.
  • Clive
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5 Answers
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first
It's an idiomatic way of expressing surprise and even disbelief when someone tells you something.

second
Yes, same idea.

Clive
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LaboriousDoes that mean that the speaker is certain or pretty sure that the other person is joking, or isn't serious about what they are saying?
Not necessarily. Often it means that the speaker doesn't like what he or she is hearing, even though it may be true.
LaboriousThe second thing is: Is that the same as 'You have to be kiddi
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Thanks to both of you, Clive and GPY, for your replies. I'd like to ask you one more thing, please. The thing is: Why is the form 'have to' or 'have got to' used in those sentences?
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These phrases are used in th sense of 'necessity'.
ie 'You must be kidding, because what you are telling me sounds to me impossible'.

Clive
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GPY For me, the version with "got to" feels more idiomatic.
For me too.
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