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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

What's Up: Meaning, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：casual greeting (what's up)

what's up 🔊

/wʌts ʌp/

phr.

A very casual and friendly way to say hello and start a conversation.

Friends greeting each other with what's up on street

casual greeting 🔊

➕

/ˈkæʒuəl ˈɡriːtɪŋ/

phr.

A very informal and friendly way to say hello, used to initiate a conversation with someone you know.

📁 Category：Language Evolution 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Contraction of 'what is' with 'up', indicating direction or state.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine looking upward and asking 'What is up there?' to recall the greeting.

📖 Example

You walk into the room and see your friend. You smile and say, 'What's up?' 🔊 A simple, friendly phrase used to greet someone and begin talking.

🔗 Collocations

Hey, what's up? – A casual way to greet someone.

What's up, man? – Informal greeting addressed to a male friend.

What's up, dude? – Very informal greeting among close friends.

🔄 Synonyms

hello (int.) – A standard greeting used in both formal and informal situations.

hey (int.) – An informal expression used to attract attention or greet someone.

yo (int.) – A very informal greeting often used in casual or youthful contexts.

🚫 Antonyms

goodbye (int.) – A farewell expression used when parting.

see you later (phr.) – A phrase indicating departure or end of conversation.

🌱 Derivatives

sup (phr.) – A very informal abbreviation of 'what's up', used as a greeting.

📖 Cultural Story

Originating in African American Vernacular English in the 20th century, 'What's up?' spread globally through pop culture and media as a casual greeting.

Meaning 2：what's happening? (what's up)

what's up 🔊

/wʌts ʌp/

phr.

To ask someone what is happening recently or how something is progressing.

Person asking what's up with thoughtful expression

what's happening? 🔊

➕

/wʌts ˈhæpənɪŋ/

phr.

Used to ask someone about recent events, current activities, or how a situation is progressing.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

I saw the worried look on your face. What's up? Is everything okay? 🔊 A question used to inquire about someone's state or current circumstances.

🔗 Collocations

What's up with you? – Asking about someone's current state or activities.

So what's up? – Prompting for news or updates.

What's up tonight? – Inquiring about evening plans or events.

🔄 Synonyms

What's happening? (phr.) – Asking about current events or activities.

What's going on? (phr.) – Inquiring about the situation or recent developments.

How's it going? (phr.) – Asking about someone's progress or general well-being.

🚫 Antonyms

Nothing much. (phr.) – A common reply indicating no news or changes.

It's fine. (phr.) – A response suggesting everything is okay, opposite to asking for news.