whatsamatta

English

Alternative forms

• wassamatta, wassamatter, whassamatta, whassamatter, whatsamatter, wossamatter

Etymology

Pronunciation spelling of what's the matter.

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Contraction

whatsamatta

1. (idiomatic) What is the matter? What is wrong?

   Whatsamatta you? (What's the matter with you?)

   • 1980, Billy Joel (lyrics and music), “It's Still Rock and Roll to Me”, in Glass Houses, performed by Billy Joel:

     Whatsamatta with the car I'm drivin? —Can'tcha tell that it's outta style?
     Should I get a set of whitewall tires? —Are you gonna cruise the miracle mile?

Usage notes

• Often used to represent an immigrant dialect or accent, typically Italian.