what for
English
Alternative forms
- whuffo (Southern US)
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Adverb
what for (not comparable)
- For what purpose.
- What is this tool for?
- That's what friends are for.
- (colloquial) For what reason; why.
- He wants four copies of it? What for?
- Ow! What did you do that for?
- What do you want to know for?
Translations
for what purpose
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for what reason; why
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Noun
what for (plural what fors)
- (idiomatic, colloquial, usually with "give someone") An unspecified punishment or rebuke
- When your dad gets home, he'll give you what for.
- 1968, Oliver!, 01:12:40
- - Fagin, I'm waiting.
- - Waiting, my dear? What for?
- - Bill will give you "what for" if you don't fork out.
- 2010, Retro Studios, Donkey Kong Country Returns, Nintendo, Wii, level/area: Cranky Kong's shop:
- Cranky Kong: 'NOW GET OUT THERE AND GIVE THOSE LITTLE DRUM GUYS WHAT FOR. YES, I SAID "WHAT FOR." I'M OLD. GET OVER IT.'
Translations
an unspecified punishment or rebuke
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