0
Contrary to the popular belief that the phrase is derived from the the famous catchphrase 'Whats'up, Doc?' of the cartoon character Bugs Bunny, it is not.
The phrase appears in Jack London's The Sea Wolf (1904), chapter 25 (-- "What's up?" I asked Wolf Larson.--)
Another referance to 'whatsup' can be found in a short story The Adventures of Shamrock Jolnes from the collection Sixes and Sevens (1911) by acclaimed American short story writer O' Henry (1862-1910). The character Shamrock Jolnes says, "Good morning, Whatsup."
Bugs Bunny made his first appearance in 'A Wild Hare' on 27 July 1940, many years after both of these references. However it can be said the phrase was made popular by Bugs Bunny.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago"Knocking" began as a term for serious flirting circa 1800. Originally it was because you were knocking on the maiden's "door" trying to "get in". Understandably, this reference quickly changed to the actual act of "getting in" because beds knock against walls. If you leave your boots on, literally done at that time, you are "knocking boots"- a Southern U.S. term. Around 1813, the term "knocking up her boots" was common. A reference to the "missionary" position. By 1830, "knocked up" began as a reference to what we now know it as today. Sadly, it was a reference to a slave woman who became pregnant. {This can be verified via "Bing" search, and through searches of various history sources for; African-American History, Southern & Western U.S. History, Women's History, etc:}
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is the origin of the phrase ram page?
There is no such phrase. There is a word rampage. It is of Scottish origin, perhaps from RAMP, to rear up.
What does wagwaan mean?
wagwaan is a Jamaican origin and it means whats up
What is the origin of driving you up the wall?
The origin of this phrase "Driving you up the wall" is British. Meaning to aggravate someone to the point of doing the impossible.
Where did the phrase Lit up like a polish church come from?
I am from cental Wisconsin. I am not certain what the origin of the phrase is but it was commonly used by my father and grandfather
What does wazzup mean?
Wazzam is a 70's phrase, indigenous to African American communities that is similar to "what's up" or "how are you doing."
What is Ke pasa in Spanish?
its a phrase meaning "whats up?" or "whats going on?" or "whats happening?"
What is the origin of the phrase ram page?
There is no such phrase. There is a word rampage. It is of Scottish origin, perhaps from RAMP, to rear up.
What does wagwaan mean?
wagwaan is a Jamaican origin and it means whats up
What does the Spanish word Que tal mean?
The spanish phrase que tal means whats up or whats going on.
Whats the origin name of silver?
origin for silver
What is th origin of desperate?
whats the origin of desperate?
What is the origin of driving you up the wall?
The origin of this phrase "Driving you up the wall" is British. Meaning to aggravate someone to the point of doing the impossible.
What is the origin of the phrase eat you?
There is no such phrase as "eat you".
What is the origin of coppering up?
Don't know the origin, but I am originally from Wigan in the North West and we use the phrase "Coppering Up" when using all our change to pay for something.
What is the origin of the phrase Show Out?
The origin of the phrase "Show Out" is from a Christian Hip Hop band called Flame. They sing about how the audience shows up and shows out to indicate how much an audience wants to see a performance.
Where did the phrase Lit up like a polish church come from?
I am from cental Wisconsin. I am not certain what the origin of the phrase is but it was commonly used by my father and grandfather
Whats the origin of name in Ununoctium?
It is Eka-Radon
