What is “wait, what?!”

Wait, what?! is a phrase commonly used as a response to something that one might find difficult to believe or to comprehend. It is often used as a question, expressing disbelief, confusion, skepticism, or simply disbelief that the speaker did not hear or understand the preceding statement correctly. This phrase can be used in any type of conversation, whether it be in a casual or a more serious one.

The Origin and Usage of “Wait, What?!”

The phrase “wait, what?!” has existed since at least the mid-1980s and has become increasingly popular in the 21st century. The phrase is believed to have come from the idiom “wait a minute”, which means that the person who said it needs a pause and a bit of time to comprehend what has been said.

The phrase “wait, what?!” is most often used as a way to express disbelief or confusion over something that someone has just said. It can be used in both serious, and joking contexts. It can also be used as a question, asking for clarification on something that the speaker may not have heard correctly or understands.

The Popularity of “Wait, What?!”

Despite being around for several decades, the phrase “wait, what?!” has only gained popularity in more recent years, with usage skyrocketing in the 21st century. The phrase has been used in movies and TV shows, has been widely used by teens on the internet, and even featured in popular music.

The phrase has become so popular is because it is a perfect way to express confusion, disbelief, or suspense in a comedic way. It can be used in almost any sort of conversation and does not need any real explanation as to why it is being used. This makes it easy for people to use it in any context and to quickly convey their thoughts.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. “Wait, what?!” is a phrase that has existed for decades, but has only grown in popularity in the 21st century. It is used as a way to express disbelief, confusion, or skepticism, and can be used in most any situation without any recent further explanation.