How do you do?

[Royal_Engagements]

I was always taught to say "How do you do?" when being introduced to someone and to say "How do you do?" back to them. I have always maintained "Pleased to meet you" is common and think "Fine thanks" is the completly wrong answer.

I would like to hear your opinion on what to say when introduced and to discover how many people still use "How do you do?" when being introduced

[young guy]

my uncle does but hes real old school

[Dhaller]

When I'm introduced to someone I say some variation on "Good/pleased/nice to meet you". If they say it to me first, I'll just say "likewise" or "good to meet you too" or some equivalent, depending on the situation.

If I meet someone I already know - and haven't seen in awhile - then I'll say "How you you doing?" or "How are things?" or some equivalent. If they ask me first, then I'll say "Great/good/not bad/etc, and you?".

I do adjust my phrasing, sliding the formality up or down as dictated by setting or context, but the gist is always the same - a polite interest in the other person.

DH

[Relayer]

I don't think there is only one proper thing to say to someone when introduced.

My usual is "Pleased to meet you" if I am genuinely pleased to meet them. "Very nice to meet you" works just as well in many settings.

"How do you do" is also completely acceptable.

[Miket61]

I would like to hear your opinion on what to say when introduced and to discover how many people still use "How do you do?" when being introduced

I don't. I'm not sure if I think it sounds overly formal, or archaic, or British, but it doesn't quite fit me. Granted, none of these three concerns has ever stopped me from doing anything else...

I usually say "it's a pleasure to meet you."

You are correct that "how do you do?" is not a question that requires an answer indicating how one does. The correct response is "how do you do?" in return.

(The correct response to "how are you" should be that one is "well," not "good," and an immediate inquiry about the other person's wellbeing.)

[Trimmer]

The definition of a bore is someone who tells you when asked "How are you?"

[Peak and Pine]

If they say it to me first, I'll just say "likewise" or "good to meet you too" or some equivalent, depending on the situation.
DH

Ugh. Please don't say likewise, or ditto or any one-word response that connotes you can't be bothered to form a sentence or to inquire in return.

[Crownship]

wassuuuuuuuup!?

[Cruiser]

And I said: "My name is 'Sue!' How do you do."

A Boy Named Sue

-----------

And we know the response; he got a piece of his ear cut off. I don't say "How do you do."

Cruiser

[Wizard]

There is an old thread that touches on this subject.

http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/f...ad.php?t=52834

It brings up some interesting points.

[DougNZ]

I think, based on the number of people in these parts who are the 'right sort' but use "Pleased to meet you", it has become accepted usage. I still use "How do you do?", as do my children.

[jackmccullough]

I don't think I've ever been greeted with "How do you do?", and I don't ever expect to be. It's much more common to hear "How are you?" or something like that.

[jfrater]

I always say "how do you do?" when meeting a person. Sometimes I get a "how do you do?" back - but oftentimes not. According to a good etiquette book I once read, "how do you do?" is the only question in English to which it is correct to respond with a question.

I was raised to believe that "how do you do" is the only correct phrase to use when meeting someone, after-all, how can you be "pleased" to meet a person you know nothing about?

I also don't offer my hand to women when I meet them, but always shake theirs if they offer it to me.

[DougNZ]

I always say "how do you do?" when meeting a person. Sometimes I get a "how do you do?" back - but oftentimes not. According to a good etiquette book I once read, "how do you do?" is the only question in English to which it is correct to respond with a question.

I was raised to believe that "how do you do" is the only correct phrase to use when meeting someone, after-all, how can you be "pleased" to meet a person you know nothing about?

I also don't offer my hand to women when I meet them, but always shake theirs if they offer it to me.

Sounds spot on to me.

[WouldaShoulda]

I have always maintained "Pleased to meet you" is common and think "Fine thanks" is the completly wrong answer.

Over the phone to complete strangers I say "Fine thank you, how can I help you."

This is businesslike to me and avoids small-talk.

I consider it a vast improvement to how I answered the phone in the ARMY.

"HHC 104th Cav Lt. WouldaShoulda Speaking state your business!!"

[KennethB]

I read someplace, Fussell I think, that the proper response to "have a nice day" is, "Thank you, but I have other plans."

I usually use "Nice to meet you." Pleased to meet you is wonderful, but feels to formal for most of my life.

[EP]

The contraction for How do you do is "Howdy"
but I think John Wayne was the only one
who could say it quite naturally.

[Miket61]

The contraction for How do you do is "Howdy"
but I think John Wayne was the only one
who could say it quite naturally.

Minnie Pearl had a very agreeable way of saying it, too.

[Wall]

How do you do will now be placed in my everyday phraseology.

[turban1]

The contraction for How do you do is "Howdy"
but I think John Wayne was the only one
who could say it quite naturally.

Howdydoody

[Jae iLL]

Over the phone to complete strangers I say "Fine thank you, how can I help you."

This is businesslike to me and avoids small-talk.

I consider it a vast improvement to how I answered the phone in the ARMY.

"HHC 104th Cav Lt. WouldaShoulda Speaking state your business!!"

On CQ everybody always answered the phone "Alpha Company CQ How can I help you sir or ma'am?"
I always thought it would sound better to just end with how can I help you instead of throwing sir or ma'am into it.

[Dingo McPhee]

I was raised to believe that "how do you do" is the only correct phrase to use when meeting someone, after-all, how can you be "pleased" to meet a person you know nothing about?

You can be pleased to meet anyone; just hold your judgment on whether you're pleased to know them.

[EmbraBhoy]

I used to say "How do you do?" but have had a mental block since hearing Paul Merton say it (I don't remember the context but it was repeatedly, and in a daft voice) on Have I Got News For You. It seems silly, but I just can't say it.

[ButtondownMind]

I'm partial to "How do you do?" "Pleased to meet you" would be fine, except that too often it sounds like "Pleased ta-meetcha" (which in my mind begs the reply, in a 1930s movie Brooklyn accent, "Likewoyse, I'm shurh-wa!")
I think the key is to be relaxed and sincerely pleasant (smile, eye contact).
Of course there are times where I prefer to bow curtly, click my heels, insert my monocle and give a cold, appraising stare.

[WilliamMMLeftfoot]

For the love of god, please don't say: "nice to meet you," "have a nice day," or "fine thanks." When meeting someone for the first time just say "hello" and your name, or "how do you do?"