How can I answer the question "What is the word, bird?" [closed]

I doubt the phrase means anything special. It sounds like a rhyming pun similar to "What's new, Stu?" Most likely, it is being used to ask, "How's it going?" or "What's your status?" So your guess appears correct in that regard.

"What's the word?", however, is a meaningful phrase. It asks if you have heard anything back from an earlier report, request or call.

What's the word on the shipment?

No word yet.

I'll also say that the phrase doesn't have a widespread fixed meaning.

Based on your description, he/she is most likely making space for you to bring up anything at all you choose. If your boss has a work related question, it will be precise, directed and unambiguous.

• The vague question transfers control over the subject of your response to you fully.
• The rhyme is a clue that it's a less formal moment and an invitation to be creative.

What are you going to do with a vague question?

You could talk about sports, weather, a gripe, something that interests you like family or current events. If you are unsure, just answer "All's good, thanks for asking." but hours or days later turn the tables and ask the same question back.

Watch closely as your boss reacts.

I'd encourage you bring up anything that's safe and comfortable - have a little fun and see how your boss reacts. No matter what you say, within reason, it will be correct since it will after all, be... "the word, bird."

Depending on your manager, this could be a stock greeting phrase like "how are you?" (the person who says this does not want to know how you are) or "what's new and exciting?" or "what's up, doc?" - just things someone says when they see you. It might not even be a question. If you want to reply with a work-oriented status report, you can, but it might be optional.

To elaborate, if you're in the weekly status meeting and the manager says to someone "you're up!" the person will respond with a status report. If the manager turns to the next person and says "shake it, baby!" they will also respond with a status report. And when it's your turn and you get "what's the word, bird?" you will respond with a status report. In this context it really doesn't matter what the manager says, the default is status report. If the manager says "did Bill call you back yet?" you answer the specific question, of course.

But if you're in the hallway or the elevator or the parking lot or eating your lunch, and your manager sees you and says "what's the word, bird?" it's really more of a "hey how are ya" greeting that doesn't require a true response. You can say something like "Having a great day!" or "Hot enough for ya?" or "things are looking great on the ABC project - should go live this week!". If things are not great you could say "glad I bumped into you, can we talk about the ABC project today?" (which might turn into right now.)