what for

adv, noun — 3 senses

what for

adv

1

For what purpose.

What is this tool for?
That's what friends are for.

2

Colloquial For what reason; why.

He wants four copies of it? What for?
Ow! What did you do that for?

1 more example

What do you want to know for?

what for

noun

1

Colloquial, Idiomatic, Usually, With "give someone" An unspecified punishment or rebuke.

When your dad gets home, he'll give you (a) what for.
- Fagin, I'm waiting. - Waiting, my dear? What for? - Bill will give you "what for" if you don't fork out.1968, Oliver!, 01:12:40:

1 more example

Cranky Kong: 'NOW GET OUT THERE AND GIVE THOSE LITTLE DRUM GUYS WHAT FOR. YES, I SAID "WHAT FOR." I'M OLD. GET OVER IT.'2010, Retro Studios, Donkey Kong Country Returns, Nintendo, Wii, level/area: Cranky Kong's shop:

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.