The expression “What’s Up” is an alternative to the phrase, “What is going on?” This expression dates back as early as 1819, when it first appeared in print media. According to history, the introduction of “Buttercup” occurred around the same period. Its first use involved and family breakfast scenario.
A young sleepy-eyed girl sits next to her father/ grandfather at a breakfast table in this scenario. The man had just arrived from his night shift at the docks. As the elderly gentleman searches for his cup of coffee, he leans towards the young child, kisses her on the forehead, and gently asks,
“What’s up Buttercup?”
Other early known references of this phrase include Mayhew London’s reference (1851) and more recent appearances in word games (1961), and a Hoagy Carmichael song (1935). However, out of these three references, only word games from 1961 and Carmichael’s music make direct reference to “What’s up Buttercup?” Mayhews reference only mentions, “What’s Up.”
Best Reponses to “What’s Up, Buttercup?”
“What’s up, buttercup?” is an informal greeting that seeks to ask an individual, “how are you doing or how is it going?” The auxiliary phrase, Buttercup, serves as a nickname or a term of endearment that makes the greeting playful and goofy while also providing rhyme.
Most people believe Buttercup primarily serves as a rhyming phrase. You can find similar instances in other English words such as, See you later, alligator. In this instance, the term “Alligator” serves as a rhyming phrase. If you want to find the best answers to “What’s up Buttercup?” Here are the ten best responses that you can use.
1. I am Out of bed, you daisy head!
“I am out of bed, you Daisy head!” is a rhyming and playful response that you can use as an answer to, “What’s up Buttercup?” This reply states that you are doing fine and you are already out and about. Remember how this greeting’s first use involved a sleepy young girl? By responding with “I am out of bed, you daisy head,” you are also making direct reference to the first “What s up buttercup?” This reply jokingly states you are active and lively, unlike the young girl captioned in the 1819 print who was still sleepy when she received this salutation.
2. Doing Fine, Clementine!
“Doing fine, Clementine!” indicates that you are doing well physically, psychologically, and even financially. By saying, “Doing Fine Clementine!” it shows that you are in satisfactory condition and all is well. The “clementine” part of this response only aims to create rhyme and provide the same kind of energy associated with the “What’s up Buttercup?” greeting. Clementine also refers to a sweet tangerine fruit and can also serve as a term of endearment when used metaphorically.
3. Feeling Lazy, Daisy
“Feeling Lazy, Daisy” is an appropriate response to this greeting, and it indicates that you are either sleepy or slightly lazy but happy. This term relates to “Lazy daisy,” a comical and somewhat sexist phrase that implies that women are typically lazy. However, in this reply, this term serves to create rhyme and light-hearted fun.
4. Feeling relaxed as beeswax!
“Feeling relaxed as beeswax!” means that you are free of any strain, anxiety, and stress. This reply is somewhat goofy, and the beeswax part rhymes well with the introductory section of this response. Beeswax has numerous benefits, and it calms, hydrates, and soothes the skin and this reply metaphorically refers to this property by inferring you are feeling relaxed.
5. Taking a trip through the tulips
“Taking a trip through the tulips” is a response that implies you are blissful and don’t have any concerns or worries. This reply can mean that you are happy with the person you are conversing with or the “What’s up Buttercup?” greeting. Tulips are the embodiment of the spring season, and this response provides a gleeful and cheerful response and shows you are unpretentious and straightforward.
6. Today Blows, Rose
“Today Blows, Rose” means you are feeling offended or unhappy with a particular situation. It might be an ongoing issue or the day in general. This reply shows disinterest or discontent, but it ends with a term of endearment; rose, showing you aren’t angry or bored with the person posing the salutation. Most people use this response when they have the “Monday Blues.”
7. Feeling silly, Calla Lilly
“Feeling silly, Calla Lilly” means you are in a mischievous state, and you aren’t feeling serious. This reply serves as a playful response to “What’s up Buttercup?” and it also provides rhyme and endearment by including “calla lily.” Calla lilies are gorgeous flowers that symbolize gratitude, elegance, romance, loyalty, and admiration. People who use “Feeling silly, Calla Lilly” are typically close friends, family members, or even lovers.
8. I” m feeling a little cold, Marigold
This reply can have a literal or metaphorical meaning. “I”m feeling a little cold, Marigold” is a response you can use if you are feeling indifferent, unconcerned, or cold. It may imply you lack interest in what’s going around you, or the weather is a bit chilly, and you are freezing. The “Marigold” section of this response refers to how the Marigold plant doesn’t appreciate cold weather and implies that you may need some tender loving care to feel better.
9. Hey there, lavender!
“Hey there, lavender!” is an enthusiastic reply that signifies serenity and devotion to the person posing the “What’s up Buttercup” salutation. It is a casual and conversational response that you can accompany with a smile to show your happiness. People use “Hey there, Lavender!” to show their excitement when they meet up with friends and acquaintances.
10. Nothing new, Honeydew
Nothing new, Honeydew” is an affectionate rhyming response to,” What’s up Buttercup?” This reply indicates that you are doing well and you haven’t encountered or experienced anything new of late. Nonetheless, the “Honeydew” part serves as sweet talk and signifies fondness.
Conclusion
“What’s up Buttercup?” is a greeting used as an old-fashioned endearment salutation. Since people use it as a soft-spoken greeting, its responses typically include sweet and loving words. If you want to respond to this salutation appropriately, kindly consider the ten options discussed above.
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
