Is it correct to answer "by what?" for the question: "What do you mean?", like:
- What do you mean?
- By what?
- By doing this... (example)
Is there any better way to answer with a question that sounds more fluently?
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I sometimes hear Americans say "what do you mean, what do you mean?"– CascabelNov 11 '20 at 16:46
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3By what is not an answer, but a question to clarify a detail before answering.– Yosef BaskinNov 11 '20 at 17:20
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It is fluent, but more so in speech, and in context.– Weather VaneNov 11 '20 at 18:02
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Wa da ya mean, what do I mean?– Hot LicksDec 11 '20 at 19:14
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"Sorry, can you be more specific./?"– Edwin AshworthDec 11 '20 at 20:30
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Yes, it is appropriate to use "By what?" as a response to the first question. This usage implies that the second speaker is unsure what the first speaker is referring to. I'd say that the interaction you have written sounds fluent in American English.
If you want a more formal way, you can consider using a full sentence: "What do I mean by what?"
