Cool Mateinformal2K
What's up?
UK //wɒts ʌp//US //wɑts ʌp//
Definition
A casual greeting asking how someone is or what they are doing.
In simple words: A casual way to ask someone how they are or what's happening.
Examples
- When I saw my friend, I casually said, 'What's up?'
- I texted him, 'Hey, what's up?' to check on him.
- At the party, everyone was greeting each other with, 'What's up?'
- She looked at me and asked, 'So, what's up with you?'
- I replied to her email starting with 'What's up?' to keep it light.
Usage notes
Used mainly in casual conversations among friends. It may not be appropriate in formal situations.
Grammar pattern
standalone greeting
Memory hint
Think of a person looking up at the sky and asking, 'What's up there?'
Collocations
- What's up, buddy?
- What's up, man?
- What's up with that?
- Hey, what's up?
- So, what's up?
Synonyms
- How's it going?
- What's going on?
- What's happening?
- What’s new?
- How are you?
Common mistakes
- Using it in a formal meeting where a respectful greeting is expected.
- Misunderstanding it as a question requiring a detailed answer.
- Not responding appropriately with a casual reply.