What's up?

You can use it when you see someone you know. It works as a conversation starter. You can also use it to check on a friend. If they look sad, ask What's up? with a soft voice. In this case, you want a real answer. Most of the time, it is just a casual 'hi.' If someone says it to you, just smile. You can say Not much, you? or just repeat What's up? back to them. It feels weird at first, but it works!

Use it with your friends every day. Use it with colleagues you like. It is great for texting or quick phone calls. Use it at the gym or the coffee shop. It fits perfectly in relaxed environments. If you are walking past someone, a quick What's up? is very polite. It shows you recognize them without stopping to talk for an hour.

Do not use this with your CEO in a big meeting. Avoid it during a serious job interview. It is too casual for a funeral or a court of law. If you are meeting your partner's grandparents for the first time, maybe stick to Hello. Using it in formal letters is also a bad idea. You might sound a bit too relaxed or even disrespectful. Imagine wearing flip-flops to a black-tie wedding. That is how What's up? feels in formal places.

This phrase became huge in the 20th century. It grew out of African American Vernacular English. Later, it became a global pop culture staple. Remember the famous Budweiser commercials from the 90s? Everyone was screaming Wassup! at each other. It represents the laid-back, friendly nature of modern English speakers. It breaks the ice quickly. It removes the stiff barriers of old-fashioned greetings.

You will hear many versions of this. Young people often say Sup? for maximum speed. Some might say What's going on? or What's happening? In some regions, you might hear What's the word? or What's the tea? if they want gossip. No matter the version, the goal is the same. It is all about connecting with people in a simple way.