what for

English

Alternative forms

Pronunciation

  • Audio (General Australian):(file)

Adverb

what for (not comparable)

  1. For what purpose.
    What is this tool for?
    That's what friends are for.
  2. (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

Noun

what for (plural what fors)

  1. (idiomatic, colloquial, usually with "give someone") An unspecified punishment or rebuke.
    When your dad gets home, he'll give you (a) 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

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