How to Respond to What’s Up

What Does "What’s Up?" Mean?

"What’s up?" is an informal way to ask, "What are you doing?" or "How are things?" People often use it as a casual greeting, similar to "Hi" or "How’s it going?" In most cases, a short, friendly answer is enough.

10 Ways to Respond to "What’s Up?"

1. Simple Responses

Use these when you want to keep the conversation light and short.

Response	Example in Context
"Not much, you?"	(At work) "Not much, you?"
"Just hanging out."	(With a friend) "Just hanging out."

2. Sharing What You’re Doing

Let the person know what’s happening in your life.

Response	Example in Context
"Just working on some stuff."	(To a colleague) "Just working on some stuff."
"Watching a movie. You?"	(Texting a friend) "Watching a movie. You?"

3. Positive and Upbeat Responses

These are great for casual conversations with friends.

Response	Example in Context
"Everything’s great! You?"	(Talking to a classmate) "Everything’s great! You?"
"Living the dream, you?"	(Laughing with a colleague) "Living the dream, you?"

4. Casual Humor

Add a funny or sarcastic twist to keep the mood light.

Response	Example in Context
"The sky. You?"	(Joking with a friend) "The sky. You?"
"Oh, just saving the world."	(Teasing) "Oh, just saving the world."

5. Redirecting the Question

Turn the focus back on the other person.

Response	Example in Context
"Not much. What’s going on with you?"	(To a neighbor) "Not much. What’s going on with you?"
"Nothing exciting. What about you?"	(To a friend) "Nothing exciting. What about you?"

6. Honest Responses

Be open about how you’re feeling or what’s happening.

Response	Example in Context
"Kind of a tough day, honestly."	(Close friend) "Kind of a tough day, honestly."
"Busy, but I’m doing alright."	(Coworker) "Busy, but I’m doing alright."

7. Expressing Excitement

Share something exciting to keep the conversation engaging.

Response	Example in Context
"Oh, I just got some great news!"	(Friend) "Oh, I just got some great news!"
"I’m planning a trip next week!"	(Family member) "I’m planning a trip next week!"

8. Playful Responses

These are fun for conversations with close friends or family.

Response	Example in Context
"Just winning at life!"	(Friend) "Just winning at life!"
"Oh, you know, causing trouble."	(Sibling) "Oh, you know, causing trouble."

9. When You’re Busy

Respond briefly if you don’t have time for a long chat.

Response	Example in Context
"Can’t talk right now, busy with work."	(Coworker) "Can’t talk right now, busy with work."
"I’ll catch up later, kind of busy."	(Friend) "I’ll catch up later, kind of busy."

10. No Real Answer

Sometimes, it’s fine to respond vaguely and move on.

Response	Example in Context
"Oh, nothing much."	(Neighbor) "Oh, nothing much."
"Same old, same old."	(Friend) "Same old, same old."

Illustration of How to Respond to What’s Up

Common Errors in Responding to "What’s Up?"

Over-sharing in Casual Settings:

❌ "I just had a huge fight with my boss, and my cat is sick."
✅ "Not much, just handling a busy day."
Ignoring the Question:

❌ (No response or changing the subject abruptly.)
✅ "Oh, not much. How about you?"
Being Too Formal:

❌ "I am currently engaged in professional duties."
✅ "Just working, you?"

Everyday Use of "What’s Up?"

Casual Greeting:

Friend: "What’s up?"

"Not much, just relaxing. You?"

Work Chat:

Coworker: "What’s up?"

"Just getting some emails done. What about you?"

Text Messages:

Friend: "What’s up?"

"Watching TV. You?"

FAQ

What does "What’s up?" mean?

"It’s a casual way to ask what someone is doing or how they are."

How should I respond in a formal setting?

"Keep it polite and brief. For example, 'Not much, just working. How about you?'"

Can I respond with humor?

"Yes, if the context is informal. For example, 'Oh, just solving all the world’s problems!'"

What if I don’t want to answer?

"Give a vague response like 'Not much' or redirect the question: 'What about you?'"

Is it okay to give a detailed answer?

"Only if the other person seems genuinely interested. Otherwise, keep it short."