Do you want to check in with a friend to see what they’re up to? Maybe you’ve met a new person who you want to spend time with? If that’s the case, you can ask them “que lo que” to initiate a conversation and express that you’re interested in spending time together. If you are looking for ways to use the phrase “que lo que” more effectively, you have come to the right place. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase “que lo que,” translated from Spanish, means “what’s up?” and can be used to initiate a conversation with someone. Sometimes shortened to the abbreviation “KLK,” this phrase is generally used as a greeting.
“Que lo que” can also be used to express surprise or discontent, meaning something similar to “what the heck?” When used in this manner, you’re not expecting an answer to “what’s up?” and are using the phrase rhetorically.
This phrase can also be used in flirtatious situations, when you’d like to chat with people on sites like Tinder or Bumble. In this case, you’d be using it as a way to express your romantic interest in the person you’re messaging.
Example Usage
“Que lo que? Do you have time to chat?”
“KLK, want to hang out tonight?”
“Hey man, que lo que?”
“KLK that was so unexpected!”
“I’ve just come back from the beach, Que lo que?”
“Hey cutie, Que lo que? Want to go hangout?”
“Let’s get off this app, Que lo que? I am down for whatever”.
Origin
The phrase “que lo que” is historically most commonly used by people from the Dominican Republic as a greeting. The phrase likely originates from the question, “¿Qué es lo que está pasando?” which translates to “What’s going on?” The phrase “que lo que” can be further shortened to KLK, which is commonly used in text messaging.
Internet slang has evolved and changed dramatically since its inception in the 1990s, especially with the development of social media platforms. Today, “que lo que” is extremely popular to use between Spanish-speaking individuals on social media sites.
Phrases Similar to Que lo Que
- HYD, meaning “How are you doing?”
- WYU2, meaning “What are you up to?”
- Dimelo, meaning “Tell me” or “What’s up?”
- Dame luz, meaning “What’s up?” or “Enlighten me.”
- Dime aver, meaning “What’s up?”
Phrases Opposite to Que lo Que
- TTYL, meaning “Talk to you later.”
- GTG, meaning “Gotta go.”
- BRB, meaning “Be right back.”
- AFK, meaning “Away from keyboard.”
What is The Correct Saying?
- Que lo que? – What’s up?
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Que lo Que
The phrase “que lo que” is most commonly misused in terms of inappropriate context. Because the phrase is Spanish, those without an understanding of Spanish may have a difficult time interpreting the phrase. You need to ensure that your audience is familiar with either Spanish or the phrase itself if you want to ensure that they will properly understand what you mean to say. The same applies to the shortened KLK, as the acronym is divorced from its Spanish origin and may confuse people who do not know that the acronym is not for English words. Some examples are:
- Que lo que? I want to get to know you more.
- Let’s just say Que lo que and move on from there.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Que lo Que
- When texting or instant messaging a friend, you can send a message asking “que lo que” to see if they are available to talk.
- If you are romantically interested in someone, send “que lo que” to express your interest.
- If someone does something surprising or rude, ask them “que lo que” to let them know that you did not appreciate their comment.
- Your profile is pretty hot, Que lo que? Do you want to hook up?
- It’s good to see you again, Que lo que? What have I missed?