what's going on?

INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase what's going on?

Meaning

This is a more informal way of saying "What's happening?" or "What happened?".

For example

  • "What's going on? Why are the cops downstairs?"
    "Beats me. I guess someone called them."

  • "The traffic isn't moving at all. I wonder what's going on."
    "Must be an accident or something."

Quick Quiz

Passengers were saying "What's going on?" because their flight

a. was departing on time

b. was arriving soon

c. was delayed
a) was departing on time b) was arriving soon c) was delayed

Contributor: Matt Errey