[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.