"What's cooking?" is a colloquial way of asking what is happening or what someone is doing. It can be used in various contexts, from a friendly check-in between friends to a more general inquiry about events or developments in a group or community setting. Just like asking about the meal being prepared in the kitchen, "What's cooking?" seeks to uncover what is currently in progress or what's on the agenda.
In short:
"What's cooking?" is an informal way of asking what's happening or what someone is doing.
The phrase "What's cooking?" is a colloquial expression used to inquire about what's going on or check in on someone's activities. It's a casual and friendly way to start a conversation.
Let's dive deeper into its meanings:
While the idiom often relates to activities or events, it doesn't necessarily involve actual cooking or food.
The origin of "What's cooking?" is closely tied to the kitchen. Historically, when someone entered a home and smelled something delicious, they might ask, "What's cooking?" to find out what meal was being prepared. Over time, this literal question evolved into a more general inquiry about what was happening.
"What's cooking, good looking?" - This playful rhyme was a popular greeting in the mid-20th century, emphasizing the idiom's casual and friendly nature.
Here are some sentences to showcase the versatility of this idiom:
This idiom has made its mark in various media:
Several phrases convey a similar sentiment. Here are some of them.
Originally, it was a literal question about what food was being prepared. However, its modern usage is more general, asking about what's happening or what someone is doing.
It's best suited for casual or informal settings. In formal situations, it's better to use phrases like "How are you?" or "What's new?"
While it's primarily an English idiom, many cultures have similar expressions to inquire about what's happening.
Yes, especially in informal written communication like text messages or emails to friends.
Yes, there are several songs with this title or similar phrases in their lyrics.
It's been in use since at least the early 20th century.
It's more of an idiom than slang, but it does have a casual tone.
Yes, it can be found in various books, especially in dialogues to give characters a casual tone.
There aren't many famous quotes using this idiom, but it's commonly used in movies, songs, and TV shows.
Its versatility and casual nature make it a favorite choice for many when starting a conversation.
"What's cooking?" is more than just an inquiry about food. It is a versatile phrase when you want to inquire about what is happening or what someone is doing. Whether catching up with friends, sparking a casual conversation, or showing interest in ongoing activities, "What's cooking?" can be a friendly and informal way to engage.
Here's a quick wrap-up:
