1. Early Forms (16th Century):
* It began as a formal greeting, likely a shortened version of "How do you do?" meaning "How are you doing?" This was a genuine inquiry about someone's well-being.
2. Transition to a Formal Greeting (17th-19th Centuries):
* The phrase gradually transformed into a more formulaic greeting, less about genuine concern and more about social politeness. The emphasis shifted to the "do" part, becoming more of a ritualistic exchange.
3. Rise of the Formal "How do you do" (19th-20th Centuries):
* It became common to respond to "How do you do?" with another "How do you do?". This created a symmetrical exchange that further cemented its function as a formal, ritualistic greeting.
* In this context, it was considered proper etiquette to use a slightly more formal tone of voice and posture when saying "How do you do?".
4. Decline in Modern Usage:
* Today, "How do you do?" is rarely used in everyday conversation. It's considered old-fashioned and possibly even awkward in most situations. However, it may still be used in very formal settings or as a playful reference to the past.
Key Takeaway:
The expression "How do you do?" evolved from a genuine inquiry about well-being to a formal, ritualistic greeting. It represents a fascinating example of how language can change its meaning and usage over time.