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.

So what’s with the paint on her face?

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2023

“Will somebody explain what’s with these lame fish that be swimming to me?”

From Washington Post • Mar. 30, 2023

Bethany: The CGI made the bear anti-fearsome, as did the really fakey looking gore, and what’s with the redhead from “Modern Family” turning up in that wig?

From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2023

And what’s with that creepy metaverse Zuckerberg is trying to lure us into?

From New York Times • Oct. 30, 2021

“And what’s with the hair and the suit?” said Harry in an undertone.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

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