[dkarl]

"Welp" might be a regional dialect, but it is used a bit differently from "well," evoking resignation about something disappointing that can't be changed. "Welp, with the gas out, we can't use the range and oven to cook the nice dinner we planned, so we'll heat something up in the microwave instead." People who say "welp" also say "well," so it makes sense to distinguish them in writing. That's not to say "welp" is appropriate diction for every kind of writing and every kind of audience, but where it's appropriate, it's appropriate.

"Whelp" has a standard English meaning, but I suppose you might see it used to mean "welp" as well. I dislike this spelling, because in my experience, people who pronounce "whale" and "wail" differently also pronounce "whelp" (the dog one) and "welp" (resignation) differently, but I don't know if that is universally true.

[DrBazza]

This one seems to be 100% USA, and then spread over social media. The same as Valley-speak became really popular after Clueless came out in the 90s. I can't recall seeing 'welp' anywhere before 2017.

[rhn_mk1]

I just checked my chat history - I used it in 2013, and there's a huge flood of "welp" from my chat partner between 2015 and 2019. (In 2020, the ball is on my side of the court again, it seems. Welp.)

[kej]

Idle curiosity: what system(s) are you using that you have chat history going back that far and can easily search it?

[rhn_mk1]

XMPP (Jabber) :) The client is Gajim. While not a perfect client, having all my history in it forces me to stay loyal.

[boca_honey]

Yes, I speak english as a second language since grade school... And never stumbled upon this word until recently. This is the first time I read the actual meaning, also. Had no idea what it meant.