[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] buffalo wing I hate it when you ask someone something, they reply "what?", but they heard you in the first place.[/quote] I forget the exact terminology for that, but it actually has a real good reason for happening. The name is something along the lines of auditory memory, I think I may be missing a word in there. In any case, whatever you hear is remembered, whether in the brain or somewhere before that, I can't remember. If somebody says something and you don't register it, even though it was clear enough for you to actually hear it, you'll typically respond with a "what?" However, by the time that the word is halfway out of your mouth, the "memory" will surface. Kind of like if you've ever looked at something odd or surprising, looked away without noticing, and then snapped your head back in surprise.