The unassuming contraction "what’s" pops up in our daily conversations all the time. But have you ever stopped to think about its origins, its meaning, or the subtle ways it can be used?
What’s the Short Story?
"What’s" is a contraction of "what is" or "what has." This shortening is a common feature in spoken English, where we prioritize speed and ease of pronunciation. For instance, instead of saying "what is that?" we might naturally say "what’s that?"
The use of contractions can be traced back to Old English, though "what’s" itself is a relatively recent invention. Linguists estimate it emerged around the 16th or 17th century.
What’s the Meaning of "What’s"?
"What’s" can serve a few different functions depending on the context. Here are the two most common:
- Contraction of "what is": This is the most frequent use. We use it to inquire about the identity or nature of something. For example, "What’s that delicious smell?"
- Contraction of "what has": Here, "what’s" is used to ask about something that has happened or something that possesses a certain quality. For instance, "What’s happened to you? You look stressed!"
What’s the Point of Using "What’s"?
"What’s" offers a more casual and conversational feel than its two-word counterparts. It can also make sentences flow more smoothly, especially in spoken English. However, in formal writing, it’s generally recommended to use the full form "what is" or "what has" for clarity.
So What’s Next?
"What’s" is a handy little contraction that adds informality and efficiency to our communication. Next time you catch yourself using it, take a moment to appreciate its history and the subtle role it plays in our language!
