how-d'ye-do

English

Noun

how-d'ye-do (plural how-d'ye-dos)

  1. A troublesome state of affairs.
    Her abrupt departure from the wedding ceremony was a fine how-d'ye-do.

Phrase

how-d'ye-do?

  1. Alternative form of how do you do (greeting).
    • 1836 June, Douglas William Jerrold, “Job Pippins, the Man Who ‘Couldn’t Help It’: Chap. IX”, in Blackwood’s Magazine, volume 39, number 248, page 746:
      “How-d’ye-do, Jewel, how-d’ye-do?” asked the visitor, with that graceful freedom which distinguishes the truly well-bred.
    • 1854, John Neal, One Word More: Intended for the Reasoning and Thoughtful Among Unbelievers, page 178:
      Taking him by the hand in his usual familiar manner, Mr. H. said, ‘How-d’ye-do? How-d’ye-do? […]’
    • 1874, Christian Reid, A Daughter of Bohemia: A Novel, page 159:
      […] but still, you know, you could recall yourself to my memory, and we could shake hands, say ‘How-d’ye-do?’ and think of—to-night.
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