what's the beef
Why are you complaining? What are you complaining about?
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You look angry, so what's the beef?”
“I noticed you are arguing with the manager again, so what's the beef?”
“After observing the heated exchange between the two colleagues, I felt compelled to ask what's the beef.”
- 01
beef to the hoof
fat, chubby, particularly with fat legs.
- 02
get what's coming to one
To experience the consequences of one's actions.
- 03
squash the beef
To resolve a grudge.
- 04
what's cooking
A greeting, similar to how are you?; what's happening?; what's up?; what's new?
- 05
what's eating
What is wrong with...? What is the problem with... (somebody)? Inquired regarding somebody who seems upset, worried, angry, etc.
- 06
what's eating you
What is annoying or bothering you?
- 07
what's going on
An informal greeting.
- 08
what's in it for me
What are the advantages of (something) to me, personally?
Last updated August 10, 2026