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You are a one

Posted by Graham Cambray on February 02, 2009 at 21:11

In Reply to: You are a one posted by ESC on February 02, 2009 at 19:50:

: : Can anyone tell me why people say - 'you are a one'?

: Could we have more context? There are several ways to go with this. If may refer to a people rating system. Good: You're A-No. 1 -- the best as in A-1. See www.phrases.org.uk/ meanings/ 21500.html Or "one singular sensation..." as in "One" from A Chorus Line. Or not so good, based on the rating system in the movie "10."

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The way the phrase is used in the UK (and an idea of age, if not exactly derivation):
You are a one! = You are droll! Probably since around 1880; mainly Cockney. In modern usage it is often said in an affected or mockingly imitative manner.
(GC)

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