What gives?

phrase

Tell me the reason, or why something is the way it is.

You were not like this yesterday, what gives?
Visual representation of "what gives?" - Tell me the reason, or why something is the way it is

Often appears as...

  • what gives with that?
  • what's the deal?

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

interjection

Used to show surprise or confusion about something unexpected.

What gives! You said you would never talk to him again!
Visual representation of "what gives?" - Used to show surprise or confusion about something unexpected

Often appears as...

  • something's wrong
  • what gives?

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

Tell me the reason, or why something is the way it is.

You were not like this yesterday, what gives?
Visual representation of "what gives?" - Tell me the reason, or why something is the way it is

Often appears as...

  • what gives with that?
  • what's the deal?

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

interjection

Used to show surprise or confusion about something unexpected.

What gives! You said you would never talk to him again!
Visual representation of "what gives?" - Used to show surprise or confusion about something unexpected

Often appears as...

  • something's wrong
  • what gives?

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "what gives?"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Informal Inquiry

Used among friends or in casual conversation to ask about a situation.

Illustration for Informal Inquiry
You cancelled our game night, what gives?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Subtle Surprise

Expresses a mild or friendly surprise rather than shock or anger.

Illustration for Subtle Surprise
Hey, I thought you'd be at work today, what gives?
LampPro Tip 3/3

Change of Plans

Used when a known plan or pattern of behavior unexpectedly changes.

Illustration for Change of Plans
You always have tea after lunch, what gives?
LampPro Tip 1/3

Informal Inquiry

Used among friends or in casual conversation to ask about a situation.

Illustration for Informal Inquiry
You cancelled our game night, what gives?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Subtle Surprise

Expresses a mild or friendly surprise rather than shock or anger.

Illustration for Subtle Surprise
Hey, I thought you'd be at work today, what gives?
LampPro Tip 3/3

Change of Plans

Used when a known plan or pattern of behavior unexpectedly changes.

Illustration for Change of Plans
You always have tea after lunch, what gives?
LampPro Tip 1/3

Informal Inquiry

Used among friends or in casual conversation to ask about a situation.

Illustration for Informal Inquiry
You cancelled our game night, what gives?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Subtle Surprise

Expresses a mild or friendly surprise rather than shock or anger.

Illustration for Subtle Surprise
Hey, I thought you'd be at work today, what gives?
LampPro Tip 3/3

Change of Plans

Used when a known plan or pattern of behavior unexpectedly changes.

Illustration for Change of Plans
You always have tea after lunch, what gives?
Visual representation of the word "What gives?"

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