A common thing that many foreigners in the United States are puzzled by is the phrase "What's up?" People from other countries may live in the US for years and not really understand what the proper answer to this question is because of the confusion of asking someone how they are doing without really wanting an answer, but that is how the phrase works! "What's up?" is a common greeting in the US used to say, "How are you?" or "What's going on?" The puzzling part is the answer. This phrase is used more as a hello than an inquiry as to how you are doing. When someone asks "What's up?" they usually are not looking for a detailed explanation of what's actually going on in your life. Someone would be pretty surprised if you told them everything that was up with you. You can respond by simply saying "What's up" in return, smiling, giving a little wave, or saying "Hey". While the phrase is stated as a question, it is not usually intended to have an answer, but merely as a way of saying "Hello".
I prefer to respond to the phrase in a deadpan literal manner. e.g. "acoustic ceiling tile", "the sun", etc.
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