15 Best Examples of How to Respond to What’s Up Today

You’ve probably seen it pop up in your texts or DMs—“What’s up?” It’s a super common opener, but that doesn’t mean your reply has to be basic. Whether it’s a friend, crush, or someone you barely know, the way you answer can shape the whole conversation.

If you’ve ever paused and wondered how to respond to what’s up without sounding boring, you’re in the right place. From funny and flirty to chill and clever, we’ve got a bunch of great responses to keep things fun, natural, and actually worth replying to. Let’s make your next “What’s up?” more interesting.

Best Responses to “What’s Up?”

Whether you’re chatting with a friend, a crush, or just someone you’re trying to keep the convo going with, here are 15 clever, flirty, casual, and funny ways to reply to “What’s up?”—plus a quick note on what kind of vibe each one gives off.

1. Not much, you?

This is the classic go-to for a reason. It’s easy, casual, and doesn’t overthink the situation. If you’re not feeling super chatty but still want to be polite or leave the door open for more conversation, this is the perfect choice. It’s also a great way to flip the question back on them without adding pressure.

2. Just living the dream—how about you?

This one’s got that touch of playful sarcasm while still sounding upbeat. Whether your day is actually awesome or totally boring, this reply keeps it light. It shows you have a sense of humor and aren’t taking things too seriously. It also invites the other person to share what they’re up to in a fun, nonchalant way.

3. Was waiting for you to text, actually.

Flirty and bold, this response adds instant warmth to the conversation. It shows interest without being overbearing, and it’s perfect if you’ve been hoping to talk to this person anyway. You’ll come across as confident, a little charming, and ready to keep the chat going. Bonus points if you pair it with a wink emoji.

4. Trying to stay out of trouble. You?

This line has a mischievous edge while staying totally friendly. It’s great for teasing or sparking curiosity, especially if you want to keep things playful. It gives the impression that you’re up to something interesting—or that you might be open to getting into a little harmless fun with them.

5. Just got done overthinking everything. You?

This one is funny, self-aware, and instantly relatable. Let’s be honest—most of us overthink everything. By admitting it in a humorous way, you come off as real and personable. It’s a great way to poke fun at yourself while staying conversational and inviting.

6. Bored. Got any fun ideas?

This response turns the conversation into an opportunity. You’re not just answering their question—you’re asking for engagement. It puts the ball in their court and invites creativity, jokes, or even plans to hang out. It’s a great way to shift the convo from small talk to something more interactive.

7. You, hopefully. 😉

Confident, flirty, and just a little cheeky—this one is ideal for texting someone you’re interested in. It’s playful enough to make them smile without going too far. If they’re into it, this reply sets a fun and flirtatious tone for the rest of the conversation.

8. Fighting the urge to take another nap.

This is peak relatable content. Whether you’re chatting with a friend, crush, or coworker, almost everyone can connect with this level of exhaustion. It’s honest, a little funny, and helps keep the tone casual. Great if you want to chat but don’t have the energy for anything deep.

9. Scrolling way too much—what about you?

This one’s honest and modern. If you’re deep into your phone, watching TikToks or memes, this reply shows you’re available to chat but also keeps it real. It can easily segue into a conversation about what you’re scrolling through, which helps keep things moving naturally.

10. Thinking about tacos. Standard.

Completely random, totally funny. This response adds a touch of humor without being try-hard. It’s great for catching someone off guard in a fun way and might even spark a conversation about food, cravings, or favorite taco spots. Bonus: who doesn’t want to talk about tacos?

11. Honestly? Kind of a weird day.

If you’re in the mood to be a little more real, this response invites genuine connection. It lets the other person know that things aren’t necessarily perfect—and that’s okay. It opens the door to a deeper convo if they want to engage, while still keeping the tone casual.

12. Just chilling, what’s good with you?

This one keeps it friendly and reciprocal. You’re not just giving a bland “not much”—you’re also gently nudging them to share their side. It’s the kind of response that works in almost any context and doesn’t require a ton of emotional energy to pull off.

13. Plotting world domination (but casually).

Dry humor lovers, this one’s for you. It’s absurd in the best way and definitely unexpected. It shows that you don’t take yourself too seriously and that you’re always ready to make a joke out of nothing. This one works well with friends or anyone who enjoys sarcasm.

14. Laughing at memes and pretending to be productive.

If you’re online, you’ve been here. This response is super relatable and injects some personality into the chat. It signals that you’re around and available to talk while being low-key about how you’re spending your time (aka procrastinating like the rest of us).

15. Taking a break from being awesome. What’s up with you?

Confident, playful, and a little over-the-top in a fun way. This is a great reply if you want to come off as energetic and charming. It can get a laugh, spark some playful back-and-forth, or just brighten someone’s day with its cocky-but-fun energy.

What to Avoid Saying If You Want to Keep Talking

Sometimes, the way you answer “What’s up?” can unintentionally shut the conversation down before it even starts. If your goal is to keep the chat going—whether it’s with a friend, crush, or someone new—then dry, short, or uninterested replies probably aren’t your best bet.

These kinds of responses don’t give the other person much to work with, and they can come across as bored, distracted, or just not that into the conversation. Even if you’re tired or unsure what to say, adding a little personality goes a long way.

Here are a few examples of replies that can kill the vibe:

• “Nothing.”
  Sounds like a dead end. If you’re doing nothing, at least turn it into a funny or creative “nothing.”

• “IDK.”
  Short for “I don’t know,” but also short on effort. It doesn’t move the convo forward.

• “Stuff.”
  Technically true, but vague and uninviting. They probably won’t ask what kind of “stuff.”

• “Chilling.”
  This could work if you expand on it, but by itself, it’s kind of bland.

• “You?”
  Just flipping the question back without offering anything makes it feel like you’re not really into chatting.

• “Busy.”
  This tells the other person you’re not available or interested right now—even if that’s not what you mean.

• “Meh.”
  Emotionally flat. It’s fine if you’re feeling “meh,” but pair it with something lighthearted to keep things alive.

Tip:

Even a tiny tweak can make a big difference. Instead of “Nothing,” try “Nothing too exciting—what about you?” Or instead of “Busy,” say “Just working on a few things. What’s up with you?”

The goal isn’t to impress—it’s just to keep the energy warm, friendly, or fun so the other person feels like they’re talking to you, not a wall.