What does wassup mean?
Wassup is an informal English interjection used as a casual greeting or question. It is a compressed form of “what’s up?” and is commonly taken to mean “how are you?” or “what’s happening?” The expression is especially associated with relaxed American speech, although it is now familiar in English-language online communication in many countries. It commonly appears at the beginning of a conversation, as in “Hey, wassup?”, but can also introduce a request for news or clarification. Its tone is generally friendly, casual, and informal, though context and delivery can make it sound abrupt or peremptory. Writing the expression without the apostrophe distinguishes it from the full question “what’s up?” while making its contraction especially apparent. Wassup is useful for understanding informal conversations, social media posts, captions, and digital dialogue, where contractions and shortened expressions are common.
interjectionAn informal greeting or question meaning “what’s up?” and, by extension, “how are you?” or “what’s happening?”
- An informal greeting or question meaning “what’s up?” and, by extension, “how are you?” or “what’s happening?”
"Hey, wassup? It’s been ages—how have you been?"
"Hey, wassup? It’s been ages—how have you been?"
"“Wassup?” Mia asked, texting back almost immediately."
Wassup turns “What’s up?” into a two-syllable shortcut with a friendly, laid-back tone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wassup
Wassup is a direct informal contraction of the question “what’s up?”, formed by reducing and joining its unstressed elements. The precise date of the form’s earliest appearance is uncertain, but it became established through casual spoken and written English. Its etymology therefore differs from that of a single inherited word: “what” and “up” are separate English words that were combined and compressed into a new expression.
How wassup is actually used
Highly informal and associated especially with casual speech among friends, youth-oriented language, online chats, and games. A flat or abrupt delivery can sound dismissive rather than welcoming.