WHAT FOR

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does what for mean? 

• WHAT FOR (noun)
  The noun WHAT FOR has 1 sense:

1. a strong reprimand

  Familiarity information: WHAT FOR used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• WHAT FOR (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A strong reprimand

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("what for" is a kind of...):

rebuke; reprehension; reprimand; reproof; reproval (an act or expression of criticism and censure)

 Context examples 

In Heaven’s name, what for?

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

What for they help you and have trouble?

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

And what for, 'no, thank you?' if one may inquire.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

"An' I wisht 'twas three hundred. Then I'd show 'em what for, damn 'em!"

(White Fang, by Jack London)

What for?

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

What for?

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Mr. Creakle then made a speech, through Tungay, in which he thanked Steerforth for asserting (though perhaps too warmly) the independence and respectability of Salem House; and which he wound up by shaking hands with Steerforth, while we gave three cheers—I did not quite know what for, but I supposed for Steerforth, and so joined in them ardently, though I felt miserable.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

What for, Jane?

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)