If you don't know something someone says, should you pretend that you know it or ask what it means?

Question

Many times people will talk about something or make jokes about something that I don't know about. I usually laugh along or nod even if I don't know what they are talking about. And then if they ask if I even know what they are talking about, I look stupid for laughing along when I don't know what they are talking about. What is the best way to approach this? Is it better to admit you don't know something than to pretend to know something that you don't and be found out later? Sometimes it is common stuff that the majority of people know but I don't.

Answer 1

i laugh neways and pull sum1 aside l8r to explain it.i've had 2 do this to. when approached about the meaning take ur trusted pal and say that the two of u r needed sumwhere and swear them to secrecy. good luck!  

Answer 2

I'm sure it depends on the situation and the topic of discussion at the time, as to how it would best be handled. Jokes are not something I would waste my time trying to understand... maybe you could just sort of ignore those (it would be the easiest thing to do). If there's a real discussion going on though, that you want to participate in, it's very important that you understand the content of the subject matter. Most people love to "educate" you when you want to understand something new to you. I've actually learned a lot this way. I found it much more comfortable and workable to just ask when I didn't understand something (rather than pretend to, only to look like a fool later). Once you have an understanding of the subject at hand, it's up to you whether you want to get involved in the discussion about it or not. Some things I find I'd rather not even get involved in because I either don't find them interesting, or I'm uncomfortable with it, or whatever. But, by knowing what it's about, I can make a conscious decision to either join in or stay out of it. That's what works for me.

Answer 3

Is there some way you could educate yourself to fill in gaps in your knowledge? That would be the best approach.

Until then, honesty is the best policy.