To use the phrase effectively in a contemporary "solid" manner, follow these protocols:
It evolved from the Middle English "How do ye?" (meaning "How do you fare?" or "How is your health?"). By the 16th century, it solidified into the greeting used today.
The standard and most correct response is to repeat the phrase back: "How do you do?" [English Oxford Living Dictionaries]. how_do_you_do
Over time, the literal meaning of the words "do" and "how" faded, leaving behind a fixed formulaic greeting. 3. Usage Guidelines
It is not an inquiry into your health or mood. Replying with "I am fine, thank you" is technically a misunderstanding of the social code, though increasingly common in modern casual settings. To use the phrase effectively in a contemporary
The phrase has been a staple of English social etiquette for centuries, though its frequency has declined in favor of "Pleased to meet you" or "It's a pleasure."
It frequently appears in Victorian and Edwardian literature to signal high social standing or adherence to strict decorum. Over time, the literal meaning of the words
Use it only when being introduced to someone for the first time.