"What's Up?": How to Use It and Respond to It
"What's up?"
If you have English-speaking friends or watch English TV and movies, you've probably heard this expression before.
Even though it may sound like a question, most of the time, it's simply an informal greeting between friends.
However, there are times when it's not just a greeting; sometimes it's a real question that needs an answer.
This article will explain the two main ways this expression is used and introduce different responses you can use when someone says it to you. You'll be more prepared to use it yourself in your English conversations. Let's start!
Meanings
Before we talk about responding to it, let's first take a closer look at what it means.
As we mentioned in the introduction, "What's up" is often a greeting between friends; it's just like saying "Hi" or "Hey." The expression "How're you doing?" is used in the same way.
Because this use is not an actual question, most people will not expect an "answer." In fact, in text messages, sometimes you won't see a question mark after it.
- What's up, everyone!
However, there are times when it actually is a question and not a greeting. If something unusual or surprising has happened, people may use this expression when they need information.
- I heard you and Jay had an argument. What's up?
- What's up? I heard a strange sound coming from your room.
- You've been coming into work late every day this week. What's up?
Note that this usage is also quite casual and should only be used with people you have a close relationship with.
Responding to “What’s up?”
Now that we know what it means, what can you say in response to "What's up"? There are several common ways.
If your conversation partner is greeting you, you can respond by simply saying it back to them — just like saying "Hi."
A
What's up?
B
What's up! How've you been?
If it seems like your partner is asking a question and expecting an answer, there are lots of ways to respond quickly. You can use the following expressions depending on your situation. We've arranged them according to how good the situation is, from best to worst.
Never better. / (I’m doing) Great.
Use these expressions when you're feeling very good.
I’m OK/fine/good.
This is a neutral response that can be either positive or negative. Depending on the tone of your voice and your facial expression, they can mean that you are actually fine or that something is bothering you.
Same ol’ same ol’.
This is short for "the same old thing." It means that nothing has changed since your last meeting. It's the most neutral response on this list.
So-so.
This is a common casual expression for saying that something is not great but also not bad. However, it's usually used when something is wrong or when there is a problem.
People often make a specific gesture with their hands when saying this:
Under the weather.
Use this expression specifically when you are feeling sick.
Generally, it's for light illnesses such as colds, not for serious diseases or for injuries.
Related article: English Phrases to Say When Someone is Sick
I’ve been better. / Not great. / Not so good.
Because these responses usually come before an explanation of a problem, it's best to only use them if you have a close relationship with your conversation partner.
If you don't know the other person well, they may feel that you are "oversharing," which is a slang term meaning to give too much personal information about yourself.
Alternatives to “What’s up?”
There are several expressions that you can use that have a similar meaning to "What's up?"
- What's going on?
- What's happening?
- What's the deal?
- What's going down?
- What's crackin'/poppin'?
- Whaddup?
Note that the first two can be used in most casual situations, while the others are very informal slang and should only be used among friends.
Wrap-up
Before you can enjoy a conversation, you first must begin one! Often, casual chats will start with this short, friendly greeting.
It should be easy to understand from the situation if your partner is asking an actual question about how you're doing. Use this article as a guide and you'll have a variety of ways to respond, no matter which way your partner is using it.
And don't forget: You can also use these expressions to start a conversation yourself!
