An expression of assent used in New England, not implying a desire for information.
1833. See HALVES. In this citation Mr. Neal negatives the idea that the words convey an interrogatory.
1842. Among the peculiar expressions in use here [Maine], we noticed, that when a person has communicated some intelligence, in which the hearer feels an interest, he manifests it by saying, “I want to know;” and when he has concluded his narrative, the hearer will reply, “Oh! do tell.”—J. S. Buckingham, ‘The Eastern and Western States of America,’ i. 177. (Italics in the original.)
1853. Do tell! I want to know! Did you ever! Such a powerful right smart chance of learning as you have is enough to split your head open right smack.—Daily Morning Herald, St. Louis, April 11.
1853. Jedediah Homespun up and spent a quarter to see the Siamese Twins [Eng and Chang]. “How long you fellows been in this ’ere kind of a hitch?” “Forty-two years,” was Eng’s reply. “Du tell! Gettin kind o’ used to it, I calculate, ain’t you?” “We ought to,” said they. “Want to know! wall, I swar yeou air hitched queer.”—Weekly Oregonian, Sept. 3.
1854. ‘Dear me suz, I wanter know,’ exclaimed Mrs. Brown again.—H. H. Riley, ‘Puddleford,’ p. 124 (N.Y.).
1873. This expression, says a New York correspondent of Notes and Queries, 4 S. xii., Dec. 27, is undoubtedly of New England (Yankee) origin, but, as in the case of many similar expressions, it would be wholly impossible to state with any degree of exactness just how it originated. In its general use it is accepted as complete in itself (really meaning no more than the familiar interjection “Sho!”), though the occasions of its especial use suggest words to fill up the ellipsis, e.g., one person says to another, “I won a fine large turkey at a raffle last night”; to which the characteristic “I want to know!” would imply “I want to know if you did!” Or a person remarks, “I’m bound to get rich.” And the answering “I want to know!” would imply “I want to know if you are!” In the latter instance, the expression would be somewhat sarcastic, a quality often given to it.
1878. “Sim ’s ben to college, and he’s putty smart and chipper. Come to heft him, tho’, he don’t weigh much ’longside o’ Parson Cushing. He’s got a good voice, and reads well; but come to a sermon, wal, ain’t no great heft in’t.” “Want to know,” said his auditor.—H. B. Stowe, ‘Poganuc People,’ ch. iii.
