How to Respond when Someone Says "Guess What?"

"What?"

Offer them a standard reply—and if you want, add a sarcastic twist. "What?" is by far the most common response to "Guess what?" So if you're just looking for a straightforward, classic reply, then this is the way to go. But if you're looking for something sillier, feel free to throw in some sarcasm and create a seriously hilarious moment: Act overly interested in their news. Use an exaggerated tone, a surprised facial expression, or a gasp. Something like "Oh my gosh, what?!" or "I can't even imagine

If they sigh or roll their eyes, follow up with dramatic, frantic questions: "Tell me! I can't take it anymore. What is it?"

“Chicken butt.”

Make the other person laugh with a classic response. “Chicken butt” was the ultimate go-to reply to this question in your elementary school days. It’s less used today, so respond with this, and you’re sure to take the other person by surprise. You'll probably get a nice chuckle out of them, too.

“You’re about to buy my coffee for me?”

Throw them off by assuming they were about to do you a favor. This joke is funny because it’s unexpected and totally transparent. Say this in a sweet tone, like you're already grateful for their kindness. Feel free to swap in other other-the-top favors here as well. Who knows? Maybe you really will get a free coffee out of it.

“You’re talking to the most amazing person on the planet?”

Surprise them by pretending to guess their super flattering thoughts. Well, it is true, isn’t it? They are currently speaking to someone pretty incredible. So, fill in the blanks for them. Use whatever adjectives you want to describe yourself, as long as they're a little outrageous. "Earth-shatteringly beautiful" would be hilarious, too.

“Oh my gosh…are you seriously about to propose?”

For laughs and drama, convince a crowd that something big is happening. If you’re in public, make sure your response is loud enough to catch other people’s attention. As you say this, put on an excited, emotional expression. Grab the other person’s hand and look around the room expectantly. If anyone stops what they’re doing to cheer or watch, that’ll make your joke even funnier!

“You’re PREGNANT?!”

Yell out something shocking or attention-grabbing in a public place. If the two of you are hanging out in a coffee shop or clothing store, respond in a voice loud enough for others to hear. This way, your conversation partner will be half amused and half embarrassed—making for the perfect sarcastic response. Just make sure that whatever surprising fake fact you pick, it won’t genuinely upset the other person. If you know this person is self-conscious about their grades, for example, don’t loudly ask if they failed a test.

“You finally got that rash under control? Happy for you.”

Jokingly share the other person's “private” information in response. Use whatever you like, as long as it’ll earn a laugh and make them blush. To add to the hilarity, follow up by offering the person fake sympathy or congratulations for their good (but embarrassing) news. This’ll be enough to make anyone laugh! Again, before you use this one, just make sure it won't hurt the other person's feelings. Ask yourself whether or not this friend enjoys a silly jab. To get a read, consider whether you two have a history of joking like this with each other.

“You got a dog? You got a cat? You got a cat-dog?”

Ask silly questions in rapid-fire for a quirky, unexpected response. Your friend could be referring to just about anything—but getting a “cat-dog” probably isn’t it. The randomness of your questions and the speed of their delivery are what make this response so darn funny. Feel free to sub in with a different set of silly questions if you're feeling inspired.

“The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell?”

Offer a recognizable (but random) fact to bring on major laughs. We all probably remember this phrase from our school days, and it’s become a catch-all joke that works in so many situations. Your friend will be surprised by your random response—but when they realize they've heard it before, it'll make them laugh, too. This joke is bound to totally kill.

“Gas prices! Oh, wait. That’s for 'what’s up.' My bad.”

For a silly twist, pretend to give the wrong answer. “Gas prices” is the standard funny response for a totally different question. So reply with this, and you’ll take the other person on a wild, hilarious ride. Tap your chin and act like you're trying to remember something difficult. For the same effect, say, “The sky."

“I’m in love with you. I mean—who said that? Never mind, bye!”

Jokingly act like you accidentally let a major secret slip. First, offer a super dramatic, intense secret in response. Then, follow up quickly with a hilarious backpedal. This will be unexpected, so it'll definitely make the other person laugh. Plus, if you actually have a crush on this person, this response could also help you create a silly, flirty vibe. Just be sure that you're 100% okay with this joke before you say it, as it might change the dynamic of your relationship.

“Don’t tell me what to do!”

Jokingly act offended by their simple question for serious laughs. They asked you a pretty harmless, casual question. That’s what makes this response so funny! The other person won’t expect you to act annoyed by their “command.” They’ll be surprised—and seriously entertained, too.

“This is a free country. I don’t have to answer your questions.”

Pretend to refuse their question to create shock and laughter. Try to make your face expressionless while you give your answer. If you were doing something while they asked their question, keep going as if nothing happened. This deadpan response will be totally unexpected. You'll definitely leave them amused, too.

"I plead the fifth."

Confuse them with a "super serious" response. Jokingly hide behind the legal right to silence, to imply that your response would be intense or even illegal. Because the other person asked such a lighthearted question, the surprise and randomness of this will be totally hilarious. it’ll definitely earn a laugh. For bonus points, use a deadpan or defensive tone.

“Next question, please.”

Pretend like you're mid-interview to create the perfect silly response. Even though the other person is just asking a casual question, act like you have the right to decide what they ask and when. The randomness is what makes this response so funny. Act casually and make your face unreadable. If you pretend like this was a normal response, it'll become even funnier.

“No.”

Turn them down with a blank expression to earn major laughs. Unexpected and sarcastic, this response is sure to entertain. For extra effect, stop what you’re doing and look them straight in the eyes when you give your response. The more serious you appear, the funnier this will be. You'll definitely get a laugh!

“Just tell me.”

Give a shockingly straightforward response to throw them off. The standard response to this question is simple: “What?” That's when, 99% of the time, the other person will share the news they wanted to share. By jumping straight to the punchline, you’re creating an unexpected moment. And in the process, you'll make you and your friend both laugh.