what's up
What’s the matter? What is the problem? What is wrong?
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Hey, what's up? You look upset.”
“When she slammed the door, her roommate asked, "What's up? Did something happen at work?"”
“Noticing the tension in the room, the mediator quietly approached the group and asked, "What's up?" hoping to uncover the source of the conflict before it escalated further.”
first recorded 20th c.
Popularized by the cartoon character Bugs Bunny as part of his catchphrase “Eh... What’s up, doc?”, as early as 1940. Originally a common greeting from Bugs Bunny creator Tex Avery's neighborhood in Taylor, Texas.
- 01
get what's coming to one
To experience the consequences of one's actions.
- 02
what's cooking
A greeting, similar to how are you?; what's happening?; what's up?; what's new?
- 03
what's eating
What is wrong with...? What is the problem with... (somebody)? Inquired regarding somebody who seems upset, worried, angry, etc.
- 04
what's eating you
What is annoying or bothering you?
- 05
what's going on
An informal greeting.
- 06
what's in it for me
What are the advantages of (something) to me, personally?
- 07
what's new
The latest developments in a particular situation or a person's life.
- 08
what's the beef
Why are you complaining? What are you complaining about?
Last updated August 10, 2026