What would you understand by it if someone said "She's a number"?

[TheYearOfSmallThings]

A friend was describing someone we both know (and like) who is hard to describe. My friend said "She's a number, isn't she?" and couldn't explain it better than to say "You know! She's a number. A number!"

It came back to my mind today and I looked it up but I didn't find a clear explanation (my friend definitely didn't mean "She's a number 2" btw).

Hard work.

Oh & nothing like "she's a card" IME, that means a bit of a joker

Just 'she's a one' which can mean something or nothing depending on how it is said.

My Nan would have used it to mean mischevious or naughty but not in a particularly bad way

I think this would be the closest, based on my knowledge of the person being described. Or "She's a one!" which could cover anything. It definitely didn't mean that she was a piece of work or unpleasant, or even eccentric and she hasn't done a number on us. She would best be described as 😮🤔😛🙃 🤓

A bad un, high maintenance, trouble

"she's a character"

Hard work, high maintenance, sneaky or sly.

Like when someone pulls a number on you.

Piece of work or stunner (hot little number etc).

No idea and it’s really odd your friend couldn’t explain what she meant.

As an aside I always thought “a card” meant someone who was a joker/funny in a silly way.

Is she one of the Numberblocks?

it’s really odd your friend couldn’t explain what she meant.

It was like she was saying such an obvious word that she couldn't believe I didn't know what she meant

I've always heard it said in a disparaging way. To describe someone who is a bit awkward, not socially aware, happy to upset people because they tell it like it is type person.

Same here
so your friend likes the lady
and said it affectionately?

She's a right one or a piece of work.

Nothing to do with how you look or being funny. But not as bad as mean or manipulative either.

But that's not a compliment. Very confused.

Depends on what you like! Some people like friends or partners who are a piece of work.

It doesn't mean they are awful. It's sort of the opposite of dull.Things happen when they are there.

Is your friend who used the term from overseas? In my home country this is a very common saying and it means she's 'quite something!'

It can be negative or positive, depending on the context.

For example she's quite cheeky or she's quite stunning! As in she stands out. I am from a Commonwealth country and it is a very common phrase amongst English speakers. I was surprised to read that people hadn't heard of it.

To me, piece of work means PITA (pain in the ass).

Is your friend who used the term from overseas?

Yes she is (Algeria, France and the US) although she has lived here many years. And yes "She's quite something" would apply here.