Definition
An informal greeting, not requiring a literal response. In form a question, and thus followed by a question mark. Typical responses include
(Following a noun phrase; stress on are) An expression of derision, that the preceding referent is unworthy of the name. In form of an exclamation, and thus often followed by an exclamation mark.
In Context
- "I'm very well, thank you. How are you? (formal) I'm fine, thank you. / Fine, thanks. (informal) / Fine, and you? (informal)"
- "1967 July 20: Questions. Oral Answers. — Free Travel for Old Age Pensioners. Dáil Éireann debates Mr. Dunne: "A small point", says the Minister for Justice. Mr. Ryan: Justice, how are you! He would not recognise it in this world or the next."
- "'Christmas how are you!' exclaimed Jim O'Hanlon ruefully. 'We will remember this one for quite a while anyway.' He was grateful that at least no one was injured in the incident."
Also Said As
- how do you do?
- how are you doing?
- how's it going?
- how's things?
- how's tricks?
- what's up?
- how's it hanging?
- alright me babber
- alright me lover
- ay up me duck
- hiya doin'
- how are things
- how are you
- how are you diddling
- how are you doing
- how are you getting along
- how are you going
- how bist
- how do you do
- how farest thou
- how goes it
- how goes the battle
- how goes the war
- how're you
- how's every little thing
- how's everything
- how's it going
- how's it hanging
- how's life
- how's things
- how's tricks
- what cheer
- what gives
- what's cooking
- what's doing
- what's good
- what's going on
- what's happening
- what's in the bag
- what's new
- what's up
- you alright
See Also
- alright
- howdy
- hello
- goodbye