English

Alternative forms

• whuffo (Southern US)

Adverb

what for

1. (colloquial) For what reason; why.

   He wants four copies of it? What for?

   Ow! What did you do that 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 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.

Translations