Where Did the Quote ‘What Had Happened was.’ Originate?

The phrase “What had happened was…” originates from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and is commonly used in casual storytelling or conversation to introduce an explanation or recount an event, often with humor or drama. It became more widely recognized through its use in comedy and entertainment, especially in stand-up routines, sitcoms, and movies. The phrase adds emphasis, builds suspense, and is often used to highlight a funny or unexpected twist in a story. It gained further popularity through appearances in films and TV shows, becoming a recognizable expression in mainstream culture. Today, it is used informally to set up humorous or exaggerated explanations.