Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(W.I./UK black teen) what is going on? what’s happening? how are things?

1986		R. Hewitt White Talk Black Talk 108: He says, ‘Wa ’appen, son. Wa gwaan’.’.
1997		C. Newland Scholar 53: Raa, wh’ gwaan Garv, you look well worried.
1999		(con. 1979–80) A. Wheatle Brixton Rock (2004) 222: What-a-gwarn? How comes you reach home so early?
2003		BlazinParadise ‘Blazing Squad Language’ 🌐 Whagwan – Hello.
2003		Dizzee Rascal ‘Sittin’ Here’ 🎵 Now I’m sittin’ here Thinkin’ Whaa gwaan Whaa gwaan.
2008		A. Wheatle Dirty South 33: ‘What’s gwarnin’,’ I introduced myself.
2011		J. Cornish Attack the Block [film script] 21: RON You met Brewis then? Very reliable customer. BREWIS Wagwan. BREWIS outs his fist for the nearest YOUTH to bump.
2012		Skepta ‘2+2x2 🎵 Might see me say ‘wagwan’ when I see them but the truth is I don’t trust these niggas.
2015		www.reddit.com/r/hiphopheads Grime Terminology Guide 🌐 Wag1/Wagwarn - Used as a greeting i.e. What's going on?
2017		theculturetrip.com ‘Guide to London Slang 10 Jan. 🌐 Wag-One (wah’gwan or wah’ta’gwan fam) – short for ‘what’s goin on.
2020		G. Krauze What They Was 10: D is the big man [...] he knows wagwan.