excuse you

English

Etymology

Late 20th century; modelled on excuse me as used to apologise.

Phrase

excuse you

  1. (US, Canada) Indignant response to a person who has behaved rudely and failed to apologise.
    • 2007, Gary Smiley, Seasons of Liberty, page 19:
      Finally, the girl managed to utter, “Well, excuse you,” and turned to leave. George fumbled for words. “Wait. Don't go,” he pleaded. “Please, allow me to apologize. Can I, uh... buy you a Coke, or something?”
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