to ask if anyone EVER says 'How do you do?' in this day and age?

[FestiveFruitloop]

Just curious as I've spotted a few people elsewhere on the web recently - all from outside the UK as far as I can tell - confidently asserting that in Britain we say 'How do you do?' when we meet a new person and that the correct response is to parrot 'How do you do?' back at them.

I'm in my mid-fifties and the words 'How do you do?' have never once crossed my lips (unless followed by something like 'long division' or 'without chocolate', that is.) I find it bemusing that people still think this is a British 'thing', but am I missing something (perhaps due to my class background)? Do people actually still say 'How do you do?' in some circles?

YABU = I've said it
YANBU = I've never said it

Yeah.. in some circles it is seen as such - or maybe just too informal.

Yep, that's exactly it!

Yes I agree. I reply how do you do and then make chit chat.

@DonnaYouAreAStar i actually don’t find it gross and people generally seem to find it endearing. He’s from a different world where that would have been seen as chivalrous and courteous rather than creepy which is what it would be if a man in their 30s started doing it.

I think it's formal. I haven't heard it for a long time. It's not like tally ho but nearly

I don't say it because it wouldn't fit in my work/social circles without sounding odd.
I would in more formal environments and still find it weird that the response to HDYD is to reply HDYD. Sometimes I think it's one of those silly rules we've invented in the UK to keep those not in the know out of some social circles.

It's still taught in every Business English course for some reason

I have met very posh people who say it. But other than that, no.

In Sheffield we say say "ow do?" Which is the slang for "how do you do ?"
So yeah

I say it to one friend as our standard joke (yes we are utterly hilarious) but it is not something I hear anyone say genuinely.

I tend to say "lovely to meet you"

Never said it. Probably because I’d be incapable of saying it straight and would instead say it all exaggerated like Eliza Doolittle in my fair lady “ HOW dooo you dooo?!” 🤣

Never mind, should have read the whole thread!!

I do when I'm meeting someone important (solicitor/job interviewer) for the first time. I also shake hands!!

I don't say it myself but have heard others saying it.

Yes. Always. Aged 50

I was always taught "nice to meet you" was a no no as it is about "you" and how "you" feel. Cf. "How do you do". Carole Middleton got pulled up on it when she said that to the late Queen - though Her Majesty would not have pointed it out - but the gutter press did!

Do you personally consider it important to show one knows the proper etiquette, though? Not meaning that in a snidey way, I'm genuinely curious as it's not something that's ever preoccupied me (basic manners yes, details like this not so much).

I'm also now wondering if this is something that's taught in private education and not so much in state education? (I went to a state comp) Dunno...

I went to a comp but middle class, born late 70s, always say it on first introductions in business but would probably say "lovely to meet you" if it was a new girlfriend or boyfriend of a friend

@CurlewKate why is it insane to observe good manners and etiquette? Just because you don't want to subscribe to this approach doesn't mean those who do are insane. Each to his own

I do still. Im late 40s.

@FestiveFruitloop It depends on the situation! If I am at a formal works do, or at a social event where I am meeting new people, then yes, etiquette is important. It is a common curtesy, reflects your upbringing (i.e. taught manners and how to address people formally), and takes no effort on my part!

That doesn't mean I am a snob - just there is nothing wrong with wanting to do things properly

Didn't take your question as being snidey tho', but thank you for saying it wasn't (because often sch comments are!) 😃

I used it a few times when I first moved to UK. However I haven’t heard it and haven’t said it for probably about 18 years. My life style is not posh at all and I can’t imagine ever saying it again unless invited to the Palace. “Nice to meet you” works perfectly in my circle.

Taught at home. Upper middle class.

I say it, but it's definitely situation dependent. It's not common parlance these days, sadly, as I find it charming.

I'd use it in a business or formal setting, or with elders. (I'm 50)!

And yes, the correct response is to say it back.