What does “What's cooking?” mean?
"What's cooking?" means "What's happening or what's going on?"
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
Hey, what's cooking? Anything exciting happening?
Hey, what's cooking? Anything exciting happening?
Example
I haven't seen you in a while, what's cooking with you?
I haven't seen you in a while, what's cooking with you?
Example
I heard there's a big event tonight, what's cooking there
I heard there's a big event tonight, what's cooking there
Is “What's cooking?” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“What's cooking?” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “What's cooking?” effectively in context?
You can use "What's cooking?" to ask someone what's happening or what's going on in their life. It's a casual and friendly way to start a conversation and show interest in someone's activities or plans. For example, if you haven't seen a friend in a while, you might say, 'Hey, "what's cooking"? Anything exciting happening?'
- 1Socializing
I haven't seen you in a while, what's cooking with you?
I haven't seen you in a while, what's cooking with you?
- 2Casual Conversation
Hey, what's cooking? Anything exciting happening?
Hey, what's cooking? Anything exciting happening?
- 3Events
I heard there's a big event tonight, what's cooking there?
I heard there's a big event tonight, what's cooking there?
Similar phrases to “What's cooking?”:
What's happening?
What's going on or what's taking place?
Example
Hey, what's happening? Anything interesting going on?
Hey, what's happening? Anything interesting going on?
What's new?
What's the latest news or updates?
Example
Long time no see! What's new with you?
Long time no see! What's new with you?
What's the scoop?
What's the latest information or gossip?
Example
Hey, what's the scoop? Any juicy news?
Hey, what's the scoop? Any juicy news?
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “What's cooking?” come from?
The origin of the phrase "What's cooking?" is unknown.
Is “What's cooking?” common in everyday conversation?
"What's cooking?" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It's often used as a friendly greeting or to start a conversation by asking about someone's activities or plans.
What tone does “What's cooking?” have?
"What's cooking?" conveys a casual and friendly tone. It's a light-hearted way to show interest in someone's life and engage in conversation.
Can “What's cooking?” be used in informal and formal settings?
"What's cooking?" is an informal expression that is commonly used in casual settings. It's suitable for conversations with friends, family, and acquaintances, but may not be appropriate in formal or professional situations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
"What's cooking?" is typically used as part of a sentence to ask about someone's activities or plans. However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"What's cooking"?' as a greeting or conversation starter.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- what's up?
- what's going on?
- how's it going?
- how are things?
- any news?