Explore the origins, semantic nuances, and cultural significance of the phrase 'What's New (with You)?', a common conversational starter with roots in early 20th-century English.
The phrase “What’s new (with you)?” functions as a conversational opener, typically employed to inquire about recent developments or occurrences in another person’s life. It serves as a casual greeting, often synonymous with asking “How are you?” or “What has been happening in your life?”
The phrase “What’s new (with you)?” is believed to have evolved from the earlier expression “What’s the news?” Its usage as a conversational starter dates back to the early twentieth century. The phrase reflects a shift in social interactions, where the focus is not solely on newsworthy events but also on personal experiences and day-to-day life. Robert M. Pirsig, in his seminal work Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (1974), expands on the phrase’s broader implications, suggesting that it can lead to an endless cycle of trivial updates if not employed thoughtfully.
Semantically, “What’s new (with you)?” carries an informal tone and is often used to express genuine interest in another person’s well-being or recent experiences. It can imply a desire for a deeper connection, though it may also be used perfunctorily in casual exchanges. The phrase’s flexibility allows it to be both a genuine inquiry and a social nicety, depending on context and intonation.
In contemporary culture, “What’s new (with you)?” is a ubiquitous phrase found in various forms of communication, from face-to-face interactions to digital exchanges such as emails and text messages. It appears frequently in literature and film as a tool for character development and dialogue. For instance, in Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the phrase is used to critique superficial conversational habits.
In professional contexts, “What’s new?” might refer to updates on projects or developments within an organization. Socially, it serves as a friendly inquiry into personal life events. In literary contexts, it can be used to establish character relationships or set the tone for dialogue.
The phrase “What’s new (with you)?” remains highly relevant in modern discourse due to its versatility and adaptability across various contexts. Its continued use in both personal and professional settings suggests a strong durability. ★★★★☆
“‘What’s new?’ is an interesting and broadening eternal question, but one which, if pursued exclusively, results only in an endless parade of trivia and fashion, the silt of tomorrow.” - Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (1974)