If you’ve ever come across the phrase “what of” in a conversation, book, or online post and paused to wonder — what of mean, exactly? — you’re not alone. This short but flexible expression shows up in everyday English, older literature, and casual speech, and it can carry a couple of different meods depending on context. This guide breaks down exactly what “what of” means, where it comes from, how to use it correctly, and how it differs from similar phrases like “so what” and “what about.”
Quick Answer: What Does “What Of” Mean?
In simple terms, “what of” is an idiomatic expression used to ask about the relevance, status, or significance of something. It typically appears in two forms:
- “What of it?” — meaning “So what?” or “Why does that matter?” (often dismissive or defiant)
- “What of [something]?” — meaning “What about [something]?” or “What’s the situation with [something]?” (often inquisitive)
So when someone asks “what of” a topic, they’re usually either challenging its importance or genuinely asking for an update. The tone depends entirely on context, which is what makes this phrase a little tricky for English learners — and even for native speakers who rarely hear it used out loud.
Breaking Down the Two Main Meanings
1. The Dismissive Meaning: “So What?”
When “what of it” is used on its own as a reply, it usually signals defiance, indifference, or a refusal to be shamed or corrected. It’s a way of saying “I know, and I don’t care” or “Why should that change anything?”
Example:
“You’re an hour late.” “What of it?”
Here, the speaker isn’t asking for clarification — they’re pushing back, implying that being late isn’t a big deal or isn’t anyone else’s business. This usage carries an edge of confrontation and is common in dialogue-heavy writing, drama, and casual arguments.
Example:
“Everyone knows you dropped out of college.” “So what of it? I’m doing fine.”
2. The Inquisitive Meaning: “What About…?”
The second common use of “what of” functions almost identically to “what about.” It’s used to ask for information, an update, or a decision on something specific.
Example:
“What of the missing shipment? Has it arrived yet?”
Example:
“We’ve covered the budget and the timeline. But what of staffing?”
In this sense, “what of” is a slightly more formal or literary alternative to “what about,” often found in writing that leans toward a classic or elevated tone.
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Where Does the Phrase “What Of” Come From?
The construction “what of” has roots in older English usage, where “of” was more commonly used to mean “concerning” or “regarding” — similar to how we might say “speak of the devil” today. This is why “what of” can sound slightly formal, literary, or even old-fashioned compared to its more modern cousin, “what about.”
You’ll find this phrasing frequently in classic literature, historical dialogue, and formal writing, where authors use it to lend a slightly elevated or dramatic tone to a character’s speech. Over time, the “so what?” dismissive usage became especially common in everyday spoken English, particularly in the fixed phrase “what of it?”
“What Of” vs. Similar Phrases
It’s easy to confuse “what of” with related expressions. Here’s how they differ:
- “What of” vs. “What about” — These are nearly interchangeable in the inquisitive sense (“What of the report?” = “What about the report?”). “What of” tends to sound more formal or slightly dated.
- “What of” vs. “So what” — When used dismissively, “what of it” and “so what” mean essentially the same thing. “What of it?” is a slightly more indirect, and arguably more articulate, way of brushing something off.
- “What of” vs. “What became of” — This related phrase specifically asks about the outcome or fate of someone or something. “What became of him after the trial?” asks what happened to a person over time, whereas “what of him?” is a more general check-in.
How to Use “What Of” Correctly in a Sentence
Since context determines the meaning, here are some practical tips for using — and understanding — “what of” correctly:
- Listen for tone. If the phrase follows a statement of fact or criticism, it’s likely dismissive (“So what of it?”). If it follows a list or a discussion, it’s likely inquisitive (“What of the next step?”).
- Use it to introduce a follow-up question. “What of” works well when transitioning between topics: “We’ve discussed marketing — what of sales?”
- Avoid overusing it in casual writing. Because it carries a slightly formal or literary tone, “what of” can sound out of place in very casual texts or emails. “What about” is usually the safer, more natural-sounding choice in day-to-day communication.
- Pair it thoughtfully in dialogue. Writers crafting fiction or screenplays often use “what of it?” to give a character a defiant, world-weary, or unbothered voice.
Common Examples of “What Of” in Everyday Use
- “He lost everything in the fire.” “What of it? He’ll rebuild.” (dismissive)
- “What of the old house on the hill — is anyone living there now?” (inquisitive)
- “You broke the rules.” “What of it? The rules were unfair.” (dismissive)
- “We’ve talked about Q1 goals. What of Q2?” (inquisitive)
- “What of the promise you made?” (inquisitive, sometimes with an accusatory tone)
Why This Phrase Confuses So Many People
Search interest in phrases like “what of mean” often comes from people encountering the expression in a book, article, lyric, or conversation and needing quick clarification. Because it doesn’t follow the more predictable structure of phrases like “what about” or “so what,” and because its meaning shifts with tone and context, many readers pause and search for a straightforward explanation — which is exactly what this guide provides.
Unlike single-meaning idioms, “what of” requires a bit of contextual reading. That’s normal! English is full of small phrases like this that carry more nuance than they first appear to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “what of it” rude? It can come across as blunt, defensive, or dismissive, especially in a tense conversation. However, it isn’t inherently offensive tone of voice and context determine how it lands.
Is “what of” grammatically correct? Yes. It’s a standard, grammatically valid English construction, though it leans slightly formal or literary compared to more modern equivalents like “what about.”
Can “what of” be used in formal writing? Yes, particularly in essays, literature, or speeches where a more elevated tone is appropriate. It’s less common in casual emails or texts.
What’s a simple way to remember the two meanings? Think of “what of it?” as a mini version of “so what?” — and “what of [topic]?” as a mini version of “what about [topic]?”
Final Thoughts
So, to circle back to the original question — what of “what of” mean? At its core, this small phrase does double duty: it can either dismiss the importance of something (“what of it?”) or invite more information about something (“what of the next step?”). Once you learn to read the surrounding context and tone, distinguishing between the two becomes second nature.
Whether you’re a writer looking to add some literary flavor to dialogue, an English learner trying to decode conversational nuance, or simply someone who stumbled across the phrase and wanted a clear answer, hopefully this guide has cleared up exactly what “what of” means — and how to use it with confidence.
