# we been knew

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/we-been-knew
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

a response to a statement or notion that is obvious or already widely known

## Examples

- You think they are dating? We been knew.
- When the company finally announced the layoffs, the employees just shrugged and said we been knew.
- While the critics expressed shock at the scandal, the public remained unmoved, as we been knew the truth all along.

## Origin

Originates from African-American Vernacular English. Its first use dates back to the late 90s.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.