phrase Music Slang

What It Is

/wɒt ɪt ɪz/ · phrase · slang

A cool greeting or acknowledgment meaning 'what's going on' or 'right on.'

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Definitions

1

An expression of agreement or recognition that something is true and real.

“You speak the truth, brother — what it is.”
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2

An acknowledgment of someone's style, cool, or status.

“He walked in fresh and everybody said, what it is.”
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3

A casual greeting, equivalent to 'what's up' or 'how's it going.'

“Hey man, what it is?”
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What It Is In A Sentence

What it is, my man, long time no see.
She greeted the crowd with a smooth what it is.
What it is — you already know the deal.

Origin & Usage

A staple of Black American vernacular in the 1970s, 'what it is' served as both greeting and affirmation, widely heard in funk and soul circles and popularized further by figures like Fred Sanford on 'Sanford and Son.'

People Also Ask

What does what it is mean in slang?

It's a greeting like 'what's up' or an affirmation meaning 'that's the truth' or 'right on.'

Where did what it is come from?

From 1970s Black American vernacular, common in funk and soul culture and TV like 'Sanford and Son.'

How do you respond to what it is?

You can answer with 'what it is' right back, or 'ain't nothin' to it,' keeping the cool exchange going.

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