A simple “wsg” (short for “what’s good?”) greeting is one of the most common icebreakers used in text conversations. However, coming up with an engaging yet appropriate response takes some thought.
Some people struggle to think of anything beyond “Nothing much, you?“. We’ve all been there – staring at our phones, wondering how to continue the discussion in an interesting way.
The ideal response to “wsg” should be casual, friendly, and reflective of your current mood or situation. It should also consider the relationship you have with the person asking.
A response to a close friend might be more casual and playful, while a response to a coworker or acquaintance might be more formal and polite.
How to Reply to “Wsg”
Phrases focused on your current activities
Being specific about what you’re doing offers an easy starting point for the next message. Examples could include:
- Just making some lunch, how about you?
- Studying for a big test later. What have you been up to?
- Relaxing on the couch after a long day at work. Anything new with you?
| Phrase | Boyfriend | Girlfriend | Family | Friend | Coworker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Just making some lunch, how about you?” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| “Studying for a big test later. What have you been up to?” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| “Relaxing on the couch after a long day at work. Anything new with you? | ” ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
For example, you could say to your brother “Just making some lunch, want to grab a bite together?” This gives a glimpse into your schedule while opening the door for a potential meetup.
Phrases about plans or topics of interest
Another approach is mentioning something you’re looking forward to or a subject you’re passionate about. This shares a bit about your interests and outlook. Consider:
- Getting excited for the big game this weekend! Who’s your pick?
- Been reading up on the latest science discoveries. Anything fascinating catch your eye lately?
- Thinking about catching the new Marvel movie – want to join?
| Phrase | Boyfriend | Girlfriend | Family | Friend | Coworker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Getting excited for the big game this weekend! Who’s your pick? | ” ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| “Been reading up on the latest science discoveries. Anything fascinating catch your eye lately?” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| “Thinking about catching the new Marvel movie – want to join?” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
For example, you could reply to your sister “Been reading up on the latest science discoveries. Any good podcasts you’ve listened to lately?”. This gives a sense of your curiosities while allowing the discussion to transition to shared interests.
Phrases about the weather or environment
If it’s a nice day out, acknowledging the weather is a classic small talk starter. You can also observe your surroundings. A few examples:
- Really loving this sunshine today! Any weekend plans to enjoy it?
- Lots of birds chirping outside – spring must be coming. Feeling optimistic for the change of season!
- Heard the forecast call for rain later. Good thing I’m cozy inside for now. What are you up to?
| Phrase | Boyfriend | Girlfriend | Family | Friend | Coworker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Really loving this sunshine today! Any weekend plans to enjoy it?” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| “Lots of birds chirping outside – spring must be coming. Feeling optimistic for the change of season!” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| “Heard the forecast call for rain later. Good thing I’m cozy inside for now. What are you up to?” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
For example, “Lots of birds chirping outside – spring must be coming. Ever notice their morning chorus in your neighborhood?”. This shares a pleasant observation while opening the door for sharing more.
Phrases about hobbies or talents
Sharing a hobby or talent you enjoy is a great way to start a conversation. Some example responses:
- Just working on a carpentry project in the garage. Always looking for more workshop ideas!
- Been practicing my guitar skills lately. Any new artists or songs you recommend checking out?
- Thinking of baking something delicious for game night. Any favorite recipes to share?
| Phrase | Boyfriend | Girlfriend | Family | Friend | Coworker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Just working on a carpentry project in the garage. Always looking for more workshop ideas!” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| “Been practicing my guitar skills lately. Any new artists or songs you recommend checking out?” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| “Thinking of baking something delicious for game night. Any favorite recipes to share?” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Phrases about current events
Referring to recent news items or pop culture can spark conversation:
- Just catching up on the latest election updates. Any strong opinions on key issues?
- That reality show finale last night had me on the edge of my seat! Who did you want to win?
- Have you heard the buzz around the new iPhone release? Upgrading your tech anytime soon?
| Phrase | Boyfriend | Girlfriend | Family | Friend | Coworker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Just catching up on the latest election updates. Any strong opinions on key issues?” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| “That reality show finale last night had me on the edge of my seat! Who did you want to win?” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| “Have you heard the buzz around the new iPhone release? Upgrading your tech anytime soon?” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Phrases involving other people
Asking about mutual friends/family is an engaging way to reply:
- Hoping to catch up with your sister soon, how have things been on her end?
- Just texting with our gym buddy John, mentions he has a new trainee. Anyone else joining his class?
- That coworker Mike sure knows how to liven the lunchroom. Any stories from your end to share?
| Phrase | Boyfriend | Girlfriend | Family | Friend | Coworker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Hoping to catch up with your sister soon, how have things been on her end?” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| “Just texting with our gym buddy John, mentions he has a new trainee. Anyone else joining his class?” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| “That coworker Mike sure knows how to liven the lunchroom. Any stories from your end to share?” | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Using response examples in conversations
Now that you’ve learned some ideal response phrases, here are examples of how they might be used in short back-and-forth interactions:
Friend: WSG?
You: Just making some lunch, want to grab a bite together?
Friend: Sure, I’m starving! Meet at our usual spot in 30?
You: Sounds good, see you then!
Mom: WSG sweetie?
You: Lots of birds chirping outside – spring must be coming. Feeling optimistic about gardening this year, have any plant tips for me?
Mom: A few ideas…(proceeds to sharing gardening wisdom)
Coworker: WSG?
You: Been reading up on the latest science discoveries. Anything fascinating catch your eye lately?
Coworker: Actually yes, just saw an article about new exoplanet findings. Crazy to think what’s out there!
As you can see, these responses keep dialogue moving in a positive, engaging way versus one-word answers that might end the chat. Give some a try in your own conversations.
Conclusion
In summary, when receiving a “WSG?” message, aim to craft your reply in a way that provides context about yourself while simultaneously asking a question in return. Focus responses on your current activities, interests, or environment observations – just be sure whatever you share invites follow up dialogue.