''How do you do?'' a greeting still used in English?
Hi all! ^_^
So l've been told that the question''How do you do?'' is used to greet someone new that you don't know, l'm not sure about this information though, but what l'm sure about is that so far, l've never heard any native English Speaker using it.
This phrase was used in the English upper classes families, in the past, but l think it disappeared nowadays.
So what do you think about it?
Have you ever used ''How do you do?'' to greet someone new that you don't know? 
25 Answers
It's an antiquated expression that one will hear when watching an old movie, or see when reading an old book.
But it is extremely rare in modern English, and the use of it would set you apart as a bit unusual.
So it depends on your goal. If you are a native English speaker and are trying to make yourself different from the crowd, it's a fine thing to say. People will assume you are being cute.
But if you're not a native English speaker and you are really trying to blend in, don't use this expression. You will only make people assume you don't know any better.
I use it when I'm joking around with family or friends. However, if you were walking into a business meeting, you might get some strange stares if you said, "How do you do?" 
When meeting someone new, you will often hear "How are you?" or "What's up?" in English-speaking countries.
I don't think it's something you'd hear from someone your age or something you would say to someone your age.
Don't completely erase it from your vocabulary because you might hear it in older English movies. 
However, in everyday English, chances are you will not hear it!
Good question, Lovely! I hope I helped!!
What about "if I was/were you"? I'd also like to read the answer of someone who lives in the UK.
I live in the UK too, Ianta. I say "If I were you". To me, it sounds very uneducated to say "If I was you". I'm sure there are plenty who say it - it will be the same group of people who also say things like "I done that yesterday", or "I don't like what he done to her" etc.
As for "How do you do?" - I'm not sure I've ever heard it other than in old films and books, it's super-formal and outdated. But if somebody from another country were to say it I'd find it quite charming!
As Sabor says, although it's worded as one it's not actually a question, but I suppose is equal to "mucho gusto" or "encantado/a" in Spanish, in other words it's a polite response to an introduction. In which case I say "Pleased to meet you".
To ask someone how they are I most frequently say "How are you?" or "How're things?" (¿Qué tal? or ¿Cómo estás? equivalents)
I've used it a few times, but it is more of a formal expression. I would use it only when meeting some one older and more respected than I. I don't use it however, with people around my age that I meet. So to answer your question, it is still used, just mostly in formal conversation.
"If I were you, I'd...... this is the correct use of this conditional. There is a form of snobbism in most languages I presume, If you were to use "If I was you.." you'd send out the signal that you are probably an ill-educated member of the street-trash community.
It is a still used in some circles , but it can almost be described as rhetorical
because one does not expect an answer , and even bad form to give one.
Even here in OZ we may say ," G'day how ya goin ?" but we are not hoping
for a detailed account of your medical history , the reply would just be
" Ah G'day how are you goin " .But I have still heard it used by expats,
as well as some Indian and Sri Lankan people.
Two fat policemen met in the lane, Bowed most politely, bowed once again. How do you do? How do you do? How do you do again?
Two pretty ladies met in the lane, Bowed most politely, bowed once again. How do you do? How do you do? How do you do again?
Two fine gentlemen met in the lane, Bowed most politely, bowed once again. How do you do? How do you do? How do you do again?
Two little schoolboys met in a lane, Bowed most politely, bowed once again. How do you do? How do you do? How do you do again?
Two little babies met in a lane, Bowed most politely, bowed once again. How do you do? How do you do? How do you again?
This is a simple rhyme that uses your thumbs and all your fingers. Two fat policemen - thumbs Two pretty ladies - forefingers Two fine gentlemen - middle fingers Two little school boys - ring fingers Two liitle babies - little fingers
Start with your thumbs held up, facing each other so that they can bend towards each other to bow. Bow, twice and then alternately when you say 'How do you do?' and then together again for the last line. Repeat using other fingers.
This is the rhyme I remember, it is said with appropriate voices, very deep and gruff for the policemen ranging to high and squeaky for the babies,
I've used it to address older people or a client on occasion.Good question.
Have you ever used ''How do you do?'' to greet someone new that you don't know?
"How do you do" is not a greeting like Hi or What's up or How are you but is what you say to someone you have just been introduced to. Saying It's nice to meet you is often acceptable as well. The only correct response to How do you do is to say How do you do to the person who said it first. It is commonly used in situations where men shake hands.
"Hello, How do you do? "would be the full sentence. Could be useful if you are being introduced to a number of people in a group. Saves you from saying exactly the same thing each time. Might make you sound classy
howdy ?
And what happen with the 3rd person , he, she or it, do we have to use was or were? if he was/were me... thank you...
Well, in my world it would not sound strange. Maybe, too, I am antiquated as someone else mentioned.
In the south I believe it deteriorated into "How do ye do?" to "Howdy do?" to just plain "Howdy?".
I haven't really thought about it but I suppose I would probably use "How do you do?"
This greeting is still used as a formal introduction during business meetings. How's it going, hanging or wat's up would be greeted with total incredulity.
Well just as in Spanish with ¿Comó estas? ¿Qué tal? ¿Qué pasa? there are many different ways to greet someone but your question deals simply with "How do you do?
As pointed out by most, it is an antiquated greeting but still used by some such as myself in the right situation. Let's say for example going through a reception line at a wedding, very formal situation, or meeting a new client in my business, especially one who would obviously expect such a courtesy (the ones with big bucks ). So does this mean I am antiquated? Well it was the way I was raised so probably not so unheard of from my generation. I hope this helps.
