Comments on: “How are ya?” doesn’t mean, “How are you?” It means Hello, and that’s OK. http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/ Curious | Cute | Comical | Crazy Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:35:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Tim http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-37390 Tim Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:02:41 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-37390 You mean like mine? :) Good point, though. Makes sense. You mean like mine? :) Good point, though. Makes sense.

]]> By: Connie J. http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36781 Connie J. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:55:46 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36781 Hint: When in Baltimore, and you hear the greeting "howyoudoin?", don't answer. Just respond "howyoudoin". You'll appear to be a local. Hint:
When in Baltimore, and you hear the greeting “howyoudoin?”, don’t answer. Just respond “howyoudoin”. You’ll appear to be a local.

]]> By: Tara http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36744 Tara Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:06:25 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36744 I cannot believe I just read that entire Wiki. I cannot believe I just read that entire Wiki.

]]> By: John Mahan http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36740 John Mahan Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:24:04 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36740 Tim, It seems the reply feature has a limit. It is not illogical if the question that has linguistically transformed into a statement. I will grant you that it appears illogical to those whose dialect has not undergone such a transformation. Tim,

It seems the reply feature has a limit.

It is not illogical if the question that has linguistically transformed into a statement. I will grant you that it appears illogical to those whose dialect has not undergone such a transformation.

]]> By: a little over 22 words « Tequila Bookworm http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36718 a little over 22 words « Tequila Bookworm Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:59:06 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36718 [...] entry all day. Also, it’s a good lesson in concise writing, which is important to any author. This entry is about using “how are you” as a greeting. Check it out, the comments as well (some [...] [...] entry all day. Also, it’s a good lesson in concise writing, which is important to any author. This entry is about using “how are you” as a greeting. Check it out, the comments as well (some [...]

]]> By: Debbie P. http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36685 Debbie P. Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:51:45 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36685 same in hungary. you only ask, "how are you" if you really want an answer otherwise it is quite a personal question. they would rather say, "jo napot"(good day). same in hungary. you only ask, “how are you” if you really want an answer otherwise it is quite a personal question. they would rather say, “jo napot”(good day).

]]> By: brooke http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36637 brooke Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:26:03 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36637 Through learning German and traveling ... we learned that, in Germany, the question "How is it going?" means "hello" but in Austria (same language) it is considered too personal and rude ... you barely know the person, why would you ask something so personal? Instead you would merely say the typical "Gruss Gott" or others. Through learning German and traveling … we learned that, in Germany, the question “How is it going?” means “hello” but in Austria (same language) it is considered too personal and rude … you barely know the person, why would you ask something so personal? Instead you would merely say the typical “Gruss Gott” or others.

]]> By: Jake http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36557 Jake Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:23:10 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36557 In Prague, where I'm going to live, Americans are thought insincere because we say "How's it going" or the like, but don't care about the answer. On friend there asked a Czech coworker that question and she gave him a shocking and explicit reply. He learned to just say "Hello." In Prague, where I’m going to live, Americans are thought insincere because we say “How’s it going” or the like, but don’t care about the answer. On friend there asked a Czech coworker that question and she gave him a shocking and explicit reply. He learned to just say “Hello.”

]]> By: Jordan Reed http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36535 Jordan Reed Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:34:09 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36535 Me too. Me too.

]]> By: Megan http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36533 Megan Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:36:00 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36533 It would be a rhetorical question? If you don't really need an answer? I agree, but sometimes I sincerely want an answer. It would be a rhetorical question? If you don’t really need an answer?

I agree, but sometimes I sincerely want an answer.

]]> By: Tim http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36513 Tim Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:04:20 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36513 Yep, seems you're right about "goodbye." http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=good-bye Just goes to show that I need a lot more etymological awareness. Yep, seems you’re right about “goodbye.” http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=good-bye Just goes to show that I need a lot more etymological awareness.

]]> By: Tim http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36511 Tim Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:59:40 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36511 Is that where it came from? I thought it came from a wish to have a "good" "bye" (as in "by the bye.) And it IS illogical to ask a question without expecting an answer... even if everyone does it consistently. Is that where it came from? I thought it came from a wish to have a “good” “bye” (as in “by the bye.) And it IS illogical to ask a question without expecting an answer… even if everyone does it consistently.

]]> By: John Mahan http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36508 John Mahan Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:48:42 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36508 Inefficient, perhaps. Illogical, no. Languages morph all the time and clusters of words can form new meanings. 'Goodbye', for example, is a contraction of 'God be with ye', but it no longer carries the same meaning. Inefficient, perhaps. Illogical, no. Languages morph all the time and clusters of words can form new meanings. ‘Goodbye’, for example, is a contraction of ‘God be with ye’, but it no longer carries the same meaning.

]]> By: Tim http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36502 Tim Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:20:29 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36502 Even if we all agree that "How are you?" means "Hello" and respond accordingly, you must admit that it's illogical and inefficient. Right? Even if we all agree that “How are you?” means “Hello” and respond accordingly, you must admit that it’s illogical and inefficient. Right?

]]> By: Tim http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36501 Tim Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:19:09 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36501 (sorry for the longwindedness) Thanks for the Wikipedia link. But I don't think the etymological fallacy applies to this situation. Phrases don't have etymology; words do. (Though the 1st commenter noted that there could be a similar transformational process at work here.) But the words 'how' 'are' and 'you' do have specific meanings that do not encompass the meaning 'hello.' The Wikipedia article pointed out that the fallacy is when people think that etymology reveals the REAL meaning of a word instead of the HISTORY of the word's meaning. However, just because etymology doesn't describe a word's real meaning, that doesn't mean that a word DOESN'T HAVE a real meaning. Otherwise how could we communicate? Definitions are derived from usage--that much is plain--and they change over time. But we should give usage at least some level of awareness and supervision to keep definitions and syntactical constructions logical. Otherwise you end up with situations like comment #17. We have lexicographers and dictionaries so that we can all agree on our usage. The fact that you had to write this post means that we're not all agreed on this. That said, understanding the intended meaning is the most important part of communication. I'll try to interpret phrases like "How are you?" in the way that they are intended. But I hope that the rest of you would show some sensitivity to the likes of Laura and myself who are genuinely confused when people ask us a question and then don't expect an answer. (sorry for the longwindedness)

Thanks for the Wikipedia link. But I don’t think the etymological fallacy applies to this situation. Phrases don’t have etymology; words do. (Though the 1st commenter noted that there could be a similar transformational process at work here.) But the words ‘how’ ‘are’ and ‘you’ do have specific meanings that do not encompass the meaning ‘hello.’

The Wikipedia article pointed out that the fallacy is when people think that etymology reveals the REAL meaning of a word instead of the HISTORY of the word’s meaning. However, just because etymology doesn’t describe a word’s real meaning, that doesn’t mean that a word DOESN’T HAVE a real meaning. Otherwise how could we communicate?

Definitions are derived from usage–that much is plain–and they change over time. But we should give usage at least some level of awareness and supervision to keep definitions and syntactical constructions logical. Otherwise you end up with situations like comment #17. We have lexicographers and dictionaries so that we can all agree on our usage. The fact that you had to write this post means that we’re not all agreed on this.

That said, understanding the intended meaning is the most important part of communication. I’ll try to interpret phrases like “How are you?” in the way that they are intended. But I hope that the rest of you would show some sensitivity to the likes of Laura and myself who are genuinely confused when people ask us a question and then don’t expect an answer.

]]> By: Jonathan http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36492 Jonathan Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:12:03 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36492 Also: LOL almost never means "laughing out loud". I mean, people at my office use IM internally a lot, and I don't think it's happened a single time that someone has responded LOL to something I wrote and had actually produced a single sound. "Mildly amusing" is more like it. Also: LOL almost never means “laughing out loud”.

I mean, people at my office use IM internally a lot, and I don’t think it’s happened a single time that someone has responded LOL to something I wrote and had actually produced a single sound.

“Mildly amusing” is more like it.

]]> By: Scott http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36480 Scott Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:34:03 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36480 I always want to ask them back, but by the time I say "I'm doing well", they're too far away for it to go smoothly. That's why I opt for a "hello", ignoring the question and responding only to the greeting. I always want to ask them back, but by the time I say “I’m doing well”, they’re too far away for it to go smoothly. That’s why I opt for a “hello”, ignoring the question and responding only to the greeting.

]]> By: John Mahan http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36478 John Mahan Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:12:48 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36478 Context of the relationship (does or should this person care), context of the situation (is this person on their way somewhere), and tone (do they sound intentional or is it said 'automatically'. Also, if they do really want to know, they can ask again or be specific. Sometimes people don't even realize they 'asked' the first time. Context of the relationship (does or should this person care), context of the situation (is this person on their way somewhere), and tone (do they sound intentional or is it said ‘automatically’. Also, if they do really want to know, they can ask again or be specific. Sometimes people don’t even realize they ‘asked’ the first time.

]]> By: Elizabeth Esther http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36477 Elizabeth Esther Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:58:14 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36477 Another thought: people also say "I'll call you later" when they have no intention of calling later. It just means "goodbye." LOL! Another thought: people also say “I’ll call you later” when they have no intention of calling later. It just means “goodbye.” LOL!

]]> By: makr http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36474 makr Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:35:51 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36474 so, if someone says "how are you" for "hello", what are they supposed to say for "how are you"? and how is the person on the receiving end supposed to know whether the person really wants to know how they are? so, if someone says “how are you” for “hello”, what are they supposed to say for “how are you”? and how is the person on the receiving end supposed to know whether the person really wants to know how they are?

]]> By: John http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36472 John Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:17:20 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36472 In England the greeting is "You all right?" It took me aback a bit. In England the greeting is “You all right?” It took me aback a bit.

]]> By: Jamie http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36469 Jamie Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:24:16 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36469 Near New Orleans and South MS where I live they ask "Where ya at" basically saying hey, how you doing. Just another way of saying hello. Near New Orleans and South MS where I live they ask “Where ya at” basically saying hey, how you doing. Just another way of saying hello.

]]> By: Julie http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36468 Julie Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:55:15 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36468 Have you had the customer who when you ask "How are ya doing?" Actually tells you their life story of how their daughter is blah blah blah, I love connecting, but when I am handing off your drink, and am now five drinks behind with a line in the drive through.... I don't want to hear about your puppy or anything. :) Have you had the customer who when you ask “How are ya doing?” Actually tells you their life story of how their daughter is blah blah blah, I love connecting, but when I am handing off your drink, and am now five drinks behind with a line in the drive through…. I don’t want to hear about your puppy or anything.
:)

]]> By: SharonAbelle http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36448 SharonAbelle Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:59:01 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36448 Just realized that as I waxed expansive about my irritation in previous post that I demonstrated that I actually DON'T check myself very well--probably. Fooey. Just realized that as I waxed expansive about my irritation in previous post that I demonstrated that I actually DON’T check myself very well–probably. Fooey.

]]> By: SharonAbelle http://twentytwowords.com/2009/06/17/%e2%80%9chow-are-ya%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-%e2%80%9chow-are-you%e2%80%9d-it-means-hello-and-that%e2%80%99s-ok/#comment-36447 SharonAbelle Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:57:31 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=3497#comment-36447 I agree with Laura. I tend to be literal in word usage (which slips into being an irritant others, I'm quite sure). I often have to check myself to avoid getting irritated with the free use of rhetorical questions in conversation. The one that bugs me the most is right after I have (1) burned my fingers in the oven, (2)fallen very hard on the ice, or (3) banged my head on the corner of a drawer that was left open....and hubby says, "Are you all right?" Uh....sure. I'm fine. I agree with Laura. I tend to be literal in word usage (which slips into being an irritant others, I’m quite sure). I often have to check myself to avoid getting irritated with the free use of rhetorical questions in conversation.

The one that bugs me the most is right after I have (1) burned my fingers in the oven, (2)fallen very hard on the ice, or (3) banged my head on the corner of a drawer that was left open….and hubby says, “Are you all right?”

Uh….sure. I’m fine.

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