What had happened was 

the beginnings of trying to explain the fault of a situation, or trying to get out of blame for a bad situation

Uncle Phil: How did Carlton get a hold of those speed pills?!!
Fresh Prince: Ya see, what had happened was...

What had happened was by Nikki November 4, 2004

what had happened was... 

the start to either a very good story or a bs one. either way should be interesting

you see what had happened was... proceed with story

what had happened was... by jstagurl August 19, 2008

what had happened was 

Phrase often heard at the beginning of a fictitious tale typically offered as an excuse for inappropriate, unprofessional or otherwise suspect behavior.

Tonisha: "Tyrone,lemme aks you a question...how come when I called you last night at 11PM you didn't pick up yo' phone!?"

Tyrone: "Oh, last night...last night...oh, what had happened was my grandmoms had called, talkin' bout she wet her bed again and I had to drive all da way out to Jersey to wash 'da sheets."

Tonisha: "So why didn't you pick up your phone?"

Tyrone: "Why you trippin? I just told you why. Damn!"

what had happened was by DenDada December 22, 2006

what had happend was

Commonly used in the black community as a way of telling somebody that something, most likely not good, had happend

Dude: Im fin to go to da store.

Girl: Damn nigga what took you so damn long

Dude: You see, what had happend was this crackhead came in da store and rob that arab that work the register.

Girl: Nigga please!

what had happend was by DJ Lotto September 11, 2009

what had happened was 

I'm telling you what I want you to think happened and taking my precious time so that it comes out believable.

I'm saying...what had happened was... I took a wrong turn... and...

what had happened was by Mangus January 30, 2004

What had happened was 

A term commonly used when you are about to speak total bullshit for the next few moments. The statement after the phrase may be true, but the statement is irrelevant and doesn't apply to the situation

Saying this phrase to someone such as a teacher or significant other, will get you in trouble because by now they know this phrase. Saying it around your friends will cause them to laugh if you are seriously about to lie. They know it, I know it, your mom, dad, uncle, dog, and second cousin twice removed all know you're going to lie.

***You are in the principles officer after sleeping late and you recall yesterday you had a flat tire***

Principle: Little Jimmy, why were you late again this morning.

Little Jimmy: Well... uh.. you see what had happened was... was that I had a flat tire and I could not make it to school on time because I cannot drive with a flat tire.

What had happened was by Mahgnittoc June 2, 2010

What had happened 

This is the opening phrase to indicate that a fictitious story is to follow.

Girlfriend: Oh no you didn't, what is all that white stuff on your boxers... ain't from me brotha!
Lying ass nigga: What had happened was there was a fire at the club and the white stuff that come out the fire extingisher got all my boxers... cus you know baby, I sag a little bit. Then I was tryna get home to you cus I didn't wanna be out all night... and then I didn't have time to wash my boxers off.

What had happened by MrsMcGhee2Your January 11, 2013