what's with

Idioms  

1. Also, what's up with; what gives with. What is going on with; tell me about or explain it. For example, What's with all the food they're giving away? or What's up with Lee these days? or What gives with Jack? Why is he so glum? This idiom is also sometimes used as a substitute for how are you or what's wrong, as in Hi, Pam, what's with you? or What gives with you—why are you yelling? [Colloquial; c. 1940]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

what's with

And what’s with Douglas MacArthur’s walk-on just before the final curtain?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026

Nury Martinez I go, “What is with, what’s with Bonin?”

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 21, 2022

And what’s with all the Red Keep rats?

From New York Times ● Sep. 25, 2022

And what’s with that lens flare just off center?

From Washington Post ● Feb. 5, 2020

“So what’s with the garbage bags?” she said.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss