"What's up?" is a casual greeting, similar to asking "How are you?" or "What's happening?" Use it in informal situations.
Understanding "What's Up?"
"What's up?" is a very informal greeting or question, and its use depends heavily on the context and your relationship with the person you're addressing.
Appropriate Situations:
- Casual Greetings: Use it to start a conversation with friends, acquaintances, or people you know well. For example, texting a friend, "What's up?" or saying it as you pass a colleague in the hallway.
- Informal Settings: Use it in environments where relaxed language is appropriate, such as a casual workplace, social gatherings, or online chats.
- Checking In: You can use it to see what someone is doing or how they are feeling.
Inappropriate Situations:
- Formal Settings: Avoid using "What's up?" in formal situations like business meetings, job interviews, or when addressing someone in a position of authority (unless you have a close, informal relationship with them).
- Professional Correspondence: Do not use "What's up?" in emails or letters to superiors or clients.
- When You Need Specific Information: If you need to ask a detailed or serious question, "What's up?" is not appropriate. It's too vague.
Example:
The reference provided gives the example of "Hey Susie, what's up?" This demonstrates its use as a casual greeting. It's akin to saying "Hey Susie, how are you?"
