Know

as in

"You know what I mean."

Variations: "You know the one ... You know what I want ...You know where it is ... You know what I like .... You know, like the last time."

This is a little like the old joke, “Are you asleep, darling?” If you’re not, it’s fine. But if you are, or if you are just drifting off, as is usually the case, why is she torturing you like this?

In the case of “know”, if you did “know” what she is telling you that you “know”, you wouldn’t need to be told, would you?

If you do happen to “know” why does she think you are saying you don’t. You are not normally anxious to play ignorant, so why would you now?

Admittedly, if her request somehow has work attached - like, “You know where the lawnmower is” or even “You know where the lawn is,” it can be worthwhile feigning stupidity. “The lawn? No, I haven’t seen it for awhile.” This might get you an afternoon off.

But usually she will be referring to more mundane matters, like being nicer to her, saying a few pleasant things to her from time to time. “Just be a little more considerate. You know what I mean.”

Again you probably don’t “know” - in fact, you probably haven’t got a clue what she is talking about - and, this is of fundamental importance, she actually knows you don’t know.

What she means is that she wants you to learn - but she doesn’t want to ask you that. She figures you will acquiesce more easily if she can trick you into thinking that there is no effort involved.

Secondly, she means for you to learn quickly - to “know” well and truly ASAP. A clock is ticking somewhere in her and you would be unwise to remain stupefied for much longer, as a large object may fall on your head if you do.