what for: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "what for" is commonly used in English to express curiosity or confusion about someone's intentions or reasons for doing something. It can be traced back to Middle English, where it was used to ask about the reason or purpose behind a particular action. Today, it is often used in informal conversations and can be found in various forms of spoken and written English.

When used in contemporary usage, the idiom "what for" is typically employed to seek clarification or an explanation for someone's behavior. It can be used when someone does something unexpected or out of the ordinary, prompting the question "What was that for?" This use of the idiom reflects our natural inclination to seek understanding and make sense of people's actions.

Additionally, the idiom can also be used in a confrontational manner, implying a challenge or a demand for justification. For example, when someone is acting aggressively or assertively, another person might respond with "What are you trying to prove?" or "What's this all about?" These expressions convey a sense of indignation or skepticism towards the other person's behavior.

The idiom "what for" allows us to express curiosity, confusion, or skepticism. It enables us to inquire about the motivations or intentions behind someone's actions, seeking clarification or justification. Its versatility and common usage in contemporary English demonstrate its relevance in everyday conversations.

There are other related idioms that are commonly used in English conversations. One such idiom is "for reasons." This phrase is used to indicate that there are specific motivations or justifications behind a particular action or decision. It is often used to highlight the underlying factors that contribute to a certain outcome or behavior. For example, someone might say, "She decided to quit her job for reasons of personal growth and development."

Another related idiom is "for XYZ reasons." This phrase is similar to "for reasons" but adds specificity by replacing "XYZ" with specific factors or motivations. This idiom allows individuals to provide a more detailed explanation or justification for their actions. For instance, someone might say, "He declined the invitation for financial reasons, as he couldn't afford to attend the event."

A commonly used colloquial phrase related to "what for" is "how come." This phrase is used to express surprise or confusion about a particular event or situation. It is often used when something unexpected or unusual happens, prompting the question "how come?" For example, if someone receives a gift out of the blue, they might ask, "How come you gave me this?" This idiom serves as a way to seek an explanation or understanding of the unexpected occurrence.

Similarly, another related phrase is "what's going on." This phrase is used to inquire about a situation or event that one does not fully understand. It is often used when there seems to be some confusion or chaos, prompting the question "what's going on?" For example, if someone walks into a room and sees people running and shouting, they might ask, "What's going on here?" This idiom reflects our natural inclination to seek clarification and gain a clearer understanding of the situation.

The idiom "what for" is commonly used to express curiosity or confusion about someone's intentions or reasons for doing something. It can be traced back to Middle English and is still used in contemporary English. It allows individuals to inquire about the motivations or intentions behind someone's actions, seeking clarification or justification. Furthermore, there are other related idioms such as "for reasons," "for XYZ reasons," "how come," and "what's going on" that serve similar purposes in English conversations. These idioms provide us with linguistic tools to express curiosity, seek explanations, and gain a clearer understanding of the world around us.