What's got into Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhwəts/, /ˈwəts/ /ˈɡɑt/ /ˈɪntu/, /ɪnˈtu/, /ɪntə

WUHTS GOT IN-too, in-TOO, IN-tuh

UK

wɒts/ /ɡˈɒt/ /ˈɪntʊ

WOTS got IN-too

Definition

This expression is used to ask why someone is behaving unusually or strangely, as if something has caused a sudden change in their actions or attitude.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and usually used when someone behaves out of character, often to express surprise or concern. Commonly found with names ('what's got into her?'). Not literal; it doesn't mean something physically entered them.

• Spanish: qué le pasa a - qué le ha dado a
• Portuguese (BR): o que deu em - o que aconteceu com
• Portuguese (PT): o que lhe deu - o que se passou com
• Chinese (Simplified): 怎么了 - 发生了什么
• Chinese (Traditional): 怎麼了 - 發生了什麼
• Hindi: क्या हो गया
• Arabic: ما الذي جرى لـ - ما الذي أصاب
• Bengali: কী হয়েছে
• Russian: что на него/неё/тебя нашло
• Japanese: どうしちゃったの - 何があったの
• Vietnamese: có chuyện gì vậy - bị làm sao thế
• Korean: 왜 저래 - 무슨 일이라도 있나
• Turkish: ne oldu - sana ne oldu
• Urdu: کیا ہوگیا
• Indonesian: kenapa jadi begitu - ada apa

Example Sentences

What's got into him? He's never this rude.

basic

Mom, what's got into you? You're singing so loudly!

basic

What's got into the cat? It's running everywhere.

basic

Honestly, what's got into you lately? You've been so cheerful!

natural

What's got into everyone today? The office is so quiet.

natural

Can someone tell me what's got into Tom? He's cleaning his room without being asked.

natural