The term "Durr?" is a colloquial interrogative of the Mississippi Delta.
The meaning of the word is a collapsed form of the question, "What are you doing?," or, in a more formal setting, "What are you up to these days?"
It is most commonly utilized in
hip-hop culture by way of the query, "How you durr?"
In daily life, its use can be observed among cashiers of many varieties, from gas station attendants to
fine retail establishments, and often accompanies delays in the completion of simple monetary transactions.
Etymology: Popularization of the phrase beyond its origins and culture may be traced back to Rhodes College (
Memphis, Tenn.) student Edwin Porter. After observing the commonality of the phrase during area
fast-food drive-thru transactions, the term quickly became a commonplace
meme in text messaging. "Durr?" replaced the previous conversation-starter "What Up?" When audible, this iteration of the phrase is delivered in a high-pitched and
clipped voice, in order to more closely resemble a
bird. References to the
crow or raven are unavoidable.
