what for 1 interrog. For what reason; why? I told Mary what I was going to town for. What are you running for? Often used alone as a question. Billy's mother told him to wear his hat. "What for?" he asked.
Compare: HOW COME.
what for 2 n. phr. , informal A scolding, or other punishment. Usually used with "get" or "give". Tom got what for from his father for answering him rudely, and I heard him crying in the house. The teacher gave me what for because I was late.