This phrase refers back to the frequent gameplay state of affairs within the tv sport present Wheel of Fortune the place a contestant is visibly struggling to resolve a puzzle. The host, typically Pat Sajak, will sometimes immediate the contestant with the phrase “What are you doing?” to encourage them to guess, fill in additional letters, or remedy the puzzle outright. This state of affairs often generates humorous stress, significantly when the puzzle resolution is comparatively apparent to viewers. Think about {a partially} revealed puzzle like “_ _ _ ING _ _ OOD _ _ _ E,” the place the answer “HAVING A GOOD TIME” is quickly obvious, besides to the contestant on stage.
The comedic worth and relatability of this case have elevated it to a recognizable trope inside well-liked tradition. It highlights the strain contestants face below the studio lights and the occasional disconnect between seemingly easy puzzles and the issue of fixing them in real-time. This recognizable state of affairs contributes to the present’s enduring attraction, offering a shared expertise for viewers who benefit from the mixture of suspense, technique, and occasional contestant struggles. The phrase “What are you doing?” has grow to be synonymous with this explicit Wheel of Fortune expertise, representing a second of each leisure and potential frustration.