Whatupdoe: The Universal Detroit Greeting

If you're not from Detroit, you might not have heard the slang term "whatupdoe" before. But for us Detroiters, it's a phrase that's a part of our everyday language. It's like saying "what's up" or "how you doing?" - it's a casual way of greeting someone or asking how they're doing. But there's more to this word than just a simple greeting. In this article, we're going to dive into the history and meaning of "whatupdoe" and why it's such an important part of Detroit culture.

What Does Whatupdoe Mean?

First, let's break down the word itself. "Whatupdoe" is a contraction of three phrases: "what's up," "what up," and "what it do." It's unique to Detroit and has been a part of our slang vocabulary for decades. The word is so popular that it's even been used in songs by famous Detroit musicians like Eminem and Trick Trick.

But what does it actually mean? Well, like I mentioned before, "whatupdoe" is a casual greeting. It's used to say hello, ask how someone is doing, or start a conversation. It's a friendly, laid-back way of interacting with others.

But there's more to it than just a greeting. "Whatupdoe" is also used as a way of showing solidarity and support for the city of Detroit. The word has become a symbol of Detroit's resilience and toughness. It's a way of saying "we're all in this together" and acknowledging the challenges that the city has faced.

The History of Whatupdoe

The origins of "whatupdoe" are a bit murky, but it's believed that the word first started being used in the 1970s. It's thought to have originated in the African American community in Detroit and then spread to other communities throughout the city.

Over time, "whatupdoe" became a popular phrase in hip-hop music and was used by many Detroit rappers. The phrase has also been featured in movies and TV shows that are set in Detroit.

How to Use Whatupdoe

If you're not from Detroit, you might be a bit confused about how to use "whatupdoe." Here are some tips on how to use the word correctly:

• Use it as a greeting. "Whatupdoe" can be used to say hello to someone, ask how they're doing, or start a conversation.
• Use it with friends and family. "Whatupdoe" is a casual word that's typically used among friends and family members.
• Don't use it in formal settings. "Whatupdoe" is a very informal word, so it's not appropriate to use in formal settings like job interviews or business meetings.
• Don't use it if you're not from Detroit. While "whatupdoe" might seem like a fun word to use, it's really only used by Detroiters. Using it if you're not from Detroit might come across as insincere or disrespectful.

Why Whatupdoe Matters

So why is "whatupdoe" such an important part of Detroit culture? For one thing, it's a way of showing pride in our city. Detroit has faced its fair share of challenges over the years, but "whatupdoe" is a way of showing that we're still here and still standing strong.

But "whatupdoe" is more than just a phrase - it's a symbol of the resilience and toughness of the people of Detroit. It's a reminder that we're all in this together.