What's up with that?

[Cindy C.]

Dai wrote:

> Can some one explain what "What's up with that?" means?

Well, I may be a bit too old to convey the meaning of this phrase 
perfectly, but it basically means, "Can you believe it?"  It is a 
rhetorical question, designed to show scorn.  It can also be used to 
express ordinary curiousity (when appended to an observation about 
Madam Hooch's eye color), but I think it ought to be reserved for 
situations in which the speaker is appalled, not merely curious.  It 
is grossly overused these days, as it is thought to be "cool."

Appropriate usage would be something like "I got married yesterday, 
and Suzie showed up wearing a white satin gown at MY wedding.  What's 
up with that?" accompanied by scornful eye-roll.  If the listener 
does not agree that Suzie is out of her mind, the listener might 
respond with a dismissive "What Ever."  If the listener is equally 
offended at Suzie's behavior, however, the listener might respond 
with "Get Out!", which roughly translates as "You've got to be 
kidding!"

"What's up with that?" would be inappropriate in formal settings.  
For instance, if someone were to attend their mother-in-law's funeral 
and disapprove of her attire in the casket, exclaiming "What's up 
with that?" would be poor form.

Cindy