Posted by R. Berg on March 21, 2004
In Reply to: Re: "What gives"? an another oft-heard expression? posted by Bob on March 21, 2004
: : Hi guys,
: : I have heard this so many times in many sitcoms.
: : I'd like to know wut that means. I did search on this word in your archives but only words related with "what" came up.
: : Thanks!
: Are you sure you weren't looking up "wut gives?"
: "What gives?" is slang, widely used as a conversation opener, meaning the same as "what's up?" or "what's happening?" or "what's new, how is the world treating you?"
For a scholarly article with more information than you asked for, see http://ling.ucsc.edu/Jorge/joseph.html (link below).