Definition of the word wotcha

The word "wotcha" is an informal greeting commonly used in British English. The exact origin of the term is uncertain, but it is believed to have roots in the Cockney dialect of London. Cockney is a dialect spoken by some Londoners that originated in the 19th century. It features distinctive pronunciation and grammar, including the use of certain slang terms. "Wotcha" is thought to have originated as a contraction of "what cha", which itself stems from "whatcheer", an older term that meaning "goodbye" or "farewell". The earliest known use of "wotcha" dates back to the 1910s, when it appeared in print in the popular British newspaper, The Daily Mirror. Since then, it has become a commonly used informal greeting in British slang, particularly in London and the surrounding areas. Today, "wotcha" is often used by British people as a friendly greeting among acquaintances or strangers. It may also be used as a kind of shorthand for "what's happening?" or "what's up?". Although it is primarily associated with the Cockney dialect, the term is now widely understood and recognized in British English as a whole.