Definition
What’s the matter? What is the problem? What is wrong?
What's happening? What are you doing?
Origins
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.
In Context
- "You're looking a bit miserable. What's up?"
- "I got a call saying to come straight away. What's up?"
- "Hello, what's up? Don't cry, bub. What's the trouble?"
- ""What's up?" he asked, dropping back into a chair, and jingling the loose coins in his trouser pockets. / "I have had news of the Black Eagle," his father answered. "She is reported from Madeira.""
- "Lady Frederick: Oh lord, I wish I were eighteen. [She sinks into a chair, and an expression of utter weariness comes over her face.] Gerald: I say, what's up? Lady Frederick: [Starting.] I thought you'd gone. Nothing."
- "Hey, what's up? – Not much, just working."
See Also
- what's up with