How do use the expression "No Kidding!" ?

[hanzj]

Hi guys,

Have you heard of the expression "No Kidding!" ? How do you use it? How do you hear other using it? What does it mean?

Am a native speaker but I have only come across it in a few countries. Please share how you understand it.


THanks.

[Robgould]

I use it in three ways

1. To confirm my sincerity. If I am a communicating something and I want to be sure the other person knows I am not lieing I will say "I'm serious, no kidding."

2. To agree with someone. If somebody makes a comment that I agree with I wll say "yeah, no kidding". Meaning I know that is correct.

3. To verify a persons sincerity. If they relate a story to me and I want be sure they are not pullling my leg I will say "No kidding?".

[hanzj]

Robgould,
thanks for your reply.
Would you have the same intonation in your voice for your Usage 3 as with Usages 1 and 2? Or would you have a questioning tone?

[raublekick]

different intonations, but it's kinda hard to describe.

[DeadEnd]

I say "no kidding" or any other in matter of factly way generally.

There are other refrences to kidding I might use day to day

kidding about
your kidding me
he is a kidder
I am kidding you
just kidding
Hi kidder

hmm cant think of anymore off hand

[gosh]

I use it mentioning my friends band :)

[BoyOfDestiny]

I usually end up using it as a reponse when someone uses a sentence with the word "really."... Usually a strong claim:

Person A: That test was really awful!
Person B: No kidding!

Basically just to show strong agreement. That the person is not kidding or joking about it.

When it's strong doubt, as in they may be kidding/joking

"You gotta be kidding me!"

[mips]

In some ways it could also be used in a sarcastic/joking way.

[somuchfortheafter]

In some ways it could also be used in a sarcastic/joking way.
that would be how i use it

[fuscia]

i prefer and exclusively use "hey look, a swan!"

[mips]

that would be how i use it

I this country it is generally used in a sarcastic but playfull way. I have never used it as a term of understanding/agreement.