How are you? How NOT to reply to this common English greeting

‘How are you?’ is a common English greeting, but what’s an appropriate reply? Is it polite to give a full and honest answer? Probably not.
Watch what happens when Jay answers the question fully and truthfully. Usually the best reply is ‘Fine thanks’ or ‘Good’.

How are you? Video Transcript

Oh hi Kathy, how are you?
Hi Vicki. Fine thanks, and you?
Great.
Hey everyone.
How are you?
Well, I only slept about six hours last night and I woke up with a bit of a backache. And my tummy’s acting up. I had cornflakes for breakfast and I think the milk was a little off. And I’m a bit worried about my cholesterol levels. I’m going to ask the doctor about that. But at least I’m keeping regular. No constipation.

Click here to learn how to use more everyday English expressions.