- An informal question asking if anything interesting or different has happened in someone's life recently.
- Often used casually between friends or acquaintances.
Explanation
Origin
- A straightforward question inquiring about novelties or changes.
- Became a common phatic expression, especially in American English, as a relaxed way to prompt conversation beyond a simple How are you?.
- Implies an interest in updates or recent events.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- What's shakin'? (Asks for news/events)
- What's the latest? / What's the word? (Asks for updates)
- Any gossip? (Playful, implies seeking juicy news)
Milder/Standard:
- Have you got any news?
- Anything interesting happening?
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Best for friends, colleagues you're friendly with, and acquaintances.
- Might seem slightly too direct or informal in a very formal setting.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Like What's up?, the common Not much response can be confusing. Explain it's often a way to keep the conversation light or signal that there's no major news to share quickly.
- It implies recent news, so asking it after How've you been? (which covers a longer period) might feel slightly repetitive.
Examples
- Hey Sam, haven't seen you this week. What's new?
- So, what's new with you?
Dialogue
Liam: Hey Olivia, how's it going?
Olivia: Pretty good, Liam. What's new?
Liam: Not a whole lot. Work's been crazy. Anything new with you?
Olivia: Actually, I booked a trip to Italy for next summer!
Liam: No way! That's awesome!
Social Media Examples
- Facebook status: Been quiet on here lately! What's new with everyone?
- Text to a friend: Hey! What's new? 😊
- Catching up in a comments thread: @[Friend's Name] Hey! What's new? Been ages!
Response Patterns
- Not much, you? / Nothing much, what's new with you? (Very common, even if something *is* new)
- Same old, same old.
- Sharing a small piece of news: Actually, I started learning guitar.
- Oh, you know, the usual.
- Sometimes used rhetorically where no real answer is expected beyond reciprocation.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After asking What's new?:
- If they share news, show interest (Oh cool!, Really? Tell me more.).
- If they say Not much, either accept it and change topic or answer the reciprocal question.
After responding (Not much, you?):
- Listen to their response.
- Continue the conversation.
Conversation Starter
- Yes.
- Good for casual check-ins with people you see somewhat regularly but not constantly.
Intonation
- Casual, friendly, and inquisitive.
- Rising intonation at the end. What's NEW?
- Stress falls on NEW.
Generation Differences
- Common across most adult generations, perhaps slightly less common among very young teens compared to What's up?.
Regional Variations
- Widely used, especially in North American English.