what's with

Idioms

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]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

So what’s with the paint on her face?

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2023

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

Kerri answered matter-of-factly, “So then what’s with the glasses?”

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023