“Goodbye” is actually derived from “God be with ye”. People say it all the time, but most don’t think or care about the religious aspect.
Similarly, “Hi. How are you?” could easily be pared down. “Hi-yah” and “Howie” are already taken, so I propose “Howerya”. Then, we as a society can stop expecting a response, or just respond with “Goodenue”. Both are no longer questions that require followup; they just become standard greetings.
“Goodbye” is actually derived from “God be with ye”. People say it all the time, but most don’t think or care about the religious aspect.
Similarly, “Hi. How are you?” could easily be pared down. “Hi-yah” and “Howie” are already taken, so I propose “Howerya”. Then, we as a society can stop expecting a response, or just respond with “Goodenue”. Both are no longer questions that require followup; they just become standard greetings.
I’m open to alternatives, though.
We Aussies just sorta mumble to each other,
'oygarn?
nbadyou?
eh… *shrugs
Anything more than two syllables are not worth saying.