Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

you-know-who

phrase

/juː noʊ huː/

Definition

A term used to refer to a person whose name is deliberately withheld or not mentioned, often used in a humorous or mysterious context.

Examples

When it comes to the party, you-know-who is definitely going to stir up some trouble.
Everyone knows you-know-who has a knack for keeping secrets.
I saw you-know-who at the coffee shop yesterday.

Meaning

You-know-who is typically used when the speaker and listener both understand who is being referred to, without needing to state the person’s name directly.