“What’s doing?” is an informal, casual expression, primarily used in Australian English and sometimes in other varieties of English, particularly among younger people or in informal social settings. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its meaning and use:
General Meaning:
- The phrase is a shorthand way of asking, “What’s happening?” or “What are you up to?” It is used to inquire about someone’s current activities or the events taking place around them. Essentially, it’s a way to ask someone what they are doing or what is going on in their life, whether in a literal or figurative sense.
- It can be used to greet someone or to open a conversation. It implies a friendly curiosity about what the other person is involved in or experiencing at that moment.
Common Use Cases:
- Casual Greeting: “What’s doing?” is often used like a more relaxed version of “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?” It may not always require a detailed answer, as the expectation is usually just a brief, friendly exchange. Example:
A: “Hey, what’s doing?”
B: “Not much, just hanging out.” - Inquiry About Activities: It can also be used to directly ask what someone is actively doing or involved with, especially in the context of a group of people or when trying to make plans. Example:
A: “What’s doing this weekend?”
B: “I’m going to the beach, you want to come?” - Asking About Events: It can also refer to what’s going on in a larger sense, such as asking about events or social gatherings.
Example:
A: “What’s doing tonight at the club?”
B: “There’s a live band playing, you should come!”
Tone and Context:
- Informal and Friendly: The phrase is very casual, often used among friends, family, or peers. It’s not formal and would generally be out of place in professional or formal settings.
- Regional Usage: Although used in Australia, it’s not exclusive to this region and can be found in some other varieties of English, though it may sound unfamiliar in places where it’s not common. Its exact popularity and usage can vary based on age, location, and social circles.
Similar Phrases:
- “What’s up?”
- “What’s going on?”
- “What are you up to?”
- “How’s it going?”
All these expressions serve similar purposes—casual ways to start a conversation and inquire about someone’s current state or activities.
Examples in Use:
- In Social Contexts: Friend A: “Hey, what’s doing?” Friend B: “Not much, just working on a project. How about you?”
- Asking About Events: Person 1: “What’s doing this Friday night?” Person 2: “There’s a movie night at my place, you should come!”
- As a Greeting: Person 1: “Hey! What’s doing?” Person 2: “Just relaxing at home. What’s up with you?”
In sum, “What’s doing?” is a relaxed, informal inquiry that can be used in various social situations to ask about someone’s activities, plans, or the state of things around them. It conveys a tone of casual curiosity, making it a friendly expression suitable for relaxed conversations.
