meaning "what is your reasoning?"
It is a slang phrase that is often used with a little intentional arrogance.
In
such cases, the phrase implies that whatever was just said is
ludicrous. Thus, the phrase can be quite sarcastic.
This nature of the phrase was a prominent lyric in the song "Cameras" by Drake.
Similar phrases could be:
1)
Hell you talkin' bout? (What the hell are you talking about?)
2) Wtf? (What the fuck?)
3) Excuse me?
HOWEVER, the phrase can also be a playful way to genuinely ask "What do you mean?" or state "I don't get it."
Example 1
Person 1: "Can you sing?"
Person 2: "
Pshh. How you mean? Hell YEAH I can!"
Example 2
Person 1: "Wow! I didn't know you were so smart!"
Person 2: "Uh, How you mean? Duh..."
Example 3 - "Cameras" By Drake
"How you mean, How you mean, Thought you knew about the Team."
Example 4
Person 1: "It's
hot as hades in here!"
Person 2: "
Hot as Hades? How you mean?"
Person 1: "You know! Hades! The Hell in Hercules!"
Person 1: "Ohhh!"