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Are you looking for an original, clever way to ask someone, "what's up?" Whether you're chatting with a friend, crush, family member, or partner, switching up your language is an easy way to keep your text exchanges engaging and memorable. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of things to say in place of "what's up," and learn how to level up your texting skills!

This article is based on an interview with our dating and relationship coach, Suzanna Mathews, founder of The Date Maven. Check out the full interview here.

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1

"What's shakin', bacon?"

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  1. Shake it up if you just want to check in with your texting partner (but you're tired of the same old conversation starter).[1] There are plenty of phrases along the lines of "what's up" that are still more entertaining. Have fun with it, and try a goofy question like:
    • "Hey! What's cooking?"
    • "Hey, Einstein! Still cracking the old theory?"
    • "How's life been sailing lately? ⛵️"
    • "What's the word, hummingbird?! 😊"
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3

"Look at my view today!"

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  1. Give your texting partner little snapshots into your daily life. Whether you take a photo of the view outside your window or your pet being particularly cute, you can wordlessly show the other person what you're up to and prompt them to talk about their day.
    • "Check out this insane coffee art! ☕️ Where's your fave place to get coffee??"
    • "Found the coolest little park on my run! Have you ever been here?"
    • "OMG, my cat is being too cute this morning. I hope your morning has been just as delightful! 😊"
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4

"Check out this awesome song!"

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5

"Tell me about your day using only emojis. 🤯"

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  1. They can also add extra emotion and depth to your message; "What's up? 😊" feels much more inviting than "What's up?" with the only difference being one simple emoji. Add emojis to your opening text, or take it a step further and send a text with only emojis—giving the other person a fun message to decipher.[2]
    • "You'll NEVER guess what happened today! 🍿🤏😯"
    • "Good morning, ☀️! What do you have planned today? 😉🧡"
    • "❓⬆️" and "❓👆" can both mean "what's up?" in emoji-speak.
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6

"Check out this GIF! 😂"

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  1. Like emojis, GIFs add color and whimsy to an otherwise plain text message. Rather than texting "what's up," text the other person a GIF to get their attention. Select a GIF you think they'd laugh at or a GIF relating to one of your mutual interests (a TV show or movie, for example.)
    • Alternatively, there are tons of GIFs with "what's up" text pasted over a goofy video clip. Pick one of those and send it to someone so they know you want to chat!
    • If you want to be a little flirty and funny, send the classic Friends GIF of Joey saying, "How you doin'?"
7

"What's your opinion on cats versus dogs?"

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  1. Getting their opinion is a great way to show someone that you're interested in what they have to say and value their thoughts. If you're still building a friendship, it helps you get to know them better.[3] Start off a text exchange with a quick question about their preferences, which can get them talking even easier than "what's up?"
    • "I can't decide what to have for dinner! Should I make pasta or tacos?"
    • "Important question! Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?"
    • "Idk what to wear for this work event! Can I get your opinion?"
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9

"Where would you go if you could travel anywhere?"

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  1. Open-ended questions are any query that requires a longer answer than "yes" or "no." Once you get the other person talking, it's easy to have a lengthy and entertaining exchange.[4]
    • "If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?"
    • "What are you interested in that most people aren't?"
    • "If you could have a superpower, which one would you choose and why?"
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10

"Our favorite YouTuber just dropped a new video!"

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  1. When you discuss a common interest, it's easier for the other person to text you back—and because they're passionate about it, they'll probably text you back as soon as possible. You're also showing them that you remember the things you've learned about them, which would make anyone feel good about themselves.
    • "Hey! Are you watching the Packers game this weekend?"
    • "Did you see the news? There's gonna be another season of Criminal Minds! We've got to watch it together 😆"
    • "We should hit up an amusement park soon! You're the only person I know as passionate about roller coasters as I am. 😍"
11

"I have a random question! Ready?"

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  1. You could send an obscure fact you learned or ask them an unconventional yet entertaining question to make them smile. So long as you begin your text with "random idea" or "random fun fact," your texting partner won't be taken aback by the sudden shift in subject.
    • "Random question! Aliens: are they real or not?? 👽"
    • "Fun fact! I was today years old when I found out that a group of porcupines is called a prickle. 🥺"
    • "Did you know that the entire world's population could fit inside Los Angeles? 😵‍ Wild!"
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12

"Riddle me this! 😉"

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13

"Want to grab lunch this week?"

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  1. This should be easy enough for friends and family—just make a lighthearted suggestion. If you're texting a crush, keep your request simple and see if they're interested in engaging with you. Politely and sincerely propose a date idea you think might be fun!
    • "I can't believe we haven't hung out in 2 weeks! Let's hit up the arcade tomorrow. 😊"
    • "I miss you! Wanna grab a coffee this week and catch up?"
    • "I've been really looking forward to meeting in person. Can I take you to a movie on Friday?"
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About This Article

Suzanna Mathews
Written by:
Dating & Relationship Coach
This article was written by Suzanna Mathews and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau. Suzanna Mathews is a Dating and Relationship Coach and the Founder of The Date Maven. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in creating mindset tools, social strategies, and digital strategies that help her clients elevate dating and deepen connections. Suzanna holds a BA in Communications from Bethel College, North Newton, and an MA in Theater and Dramatic Arts from Wichita State University. This article has been viewed 87,693 times.
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Co-authors: 11
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 87,693
Categories: Featured Articles | Texting
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