Literally, the phrase "what's cooking" asks what meal or food items are being prepared in a kitchen setting. However, in idioms, casual conversation, and modern urban slang, it is used metaphorically to inquire what plans, activities, projects, or clever strategies someone is currently working on. Influenced by viral internet vernacular, it can also ask what creative ideas or impressive maneuvers a person is developing behind the scenes to achieve success in a particular situation.