Where did the slang word what up come from?

The slang phrase "What up" is a shortened form of "What's up?" While its exact origins are debated, it's generally believed to have emerged in the African American Vernacular English (AAVE) community in the late 20th century.

Here's a breakdown of possible influences and its evolution:

* "What's happening?": This was a common greeting in the 1960s and 70s, and "What up" likely evolved as a more concise and informal version.

* "What's up, doc?": The famous line from the Bugs Bunny cartoons, which became popular in the 1940s, may have also contributed to the phrase's evolution.

* "What's the word?": Another slang phrase, meaning "What's going on?" or "What's new?", could have influenced the shortening of "What's up."

By the 1980s, "What up" had become widespread in popular culture, embraced by hip-hop artists and appearing in movies and television shows.

In summary:

While the exact origin is unclear, "What up" likely emerged from AAVE as a shorter, more casual version of "What's up?". It gained popularity in the late 20th century through various cultural influences, becoming a common greeting in American slang.