Crossword Genius

Rude way to ask for a repeat (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

what

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'ask for a repeat' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'rude way' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'way' could be 'w' (Compass direction - West) and 'w' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'hat' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for what that I've seen before include "Which thing?" , "I beg your pardon" , "Interrogatory word" , "Eh?" , "I didn't hear" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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