# what's up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/whats-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

What’s the matter? What is the problem? What is wrong?

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.