The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word WHATÂ
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
W
H
A
T
Â
Buddy explains!
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does WHATÂ mean?
WHATÂ adverb- (Singlish) Used to contradict an underlying assumption held by the interlocutor.
- Something; thing; stuff.
- The identity of a thing, as an answer to a question of what.
- Something that is addressed by what, as opposed to a person, addressed by who.
- (usually followed by "with," but also sometimes "would" or "might," especially in finance) In some manner or degree; in part; partly. See also what with
- Such.
- Why.
- Used to introduce each of two coordinate phrases or concepts; both…and.
- (interrogative) Which thing, event, circumstance, etc.: used interrogatively in asking for the specification of an identity, quantity, quality, etc.
- That which; those that; the thing that.
- (relative) That; which; who.
- Whatever.
- An expression of surprise or disbelief.
- What do you want? An abrupt, usually unfriendly enquiry as to what a person desires.
- Clipping of what do you say?
- What did you say? I beg your pardon?
- (typically with a) An intensifier to an adjective phrase; used to begin a sentence.